Minority business leaders are urging Maryland Governor, Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., to reconsider vetoing a "living wage" requirement. These supporters claim that guaranteeing a minimum $10.50 wage for employees participating in state contracts would boost the economy by encouraging greater consumer spending. The governor is reluctant to approve the living wage bill because he feels that it could lead to the loss of jobs. Living-wage laws have been implemented in about 100 cities and counties nationwide.
See "Governor urged to sign pay bill", David Nitkin, Chicago Tribune, May 3, 2004