New report: $15 minimum wage would benefit 573,000 workers, strengthen Maryland economy

As Maryland lawmakers begin considering proposals to increase the state’s minimum wage, the Maryland Center on Economic Policy (MDCEP) is releasing a new report that provides an in-depth look at how a $15 minimum wage would affect Maryland workers and our economy. About 573,000 workers would ultimately get a raise, totaling $2.6 billion, the report states. The report features previously unpublished analysis on the impact of a higher minimum wage in Maryland from the Economic Policy Institute.

“Maryland has done the right thing for workers and our economy by gradually increasing the minimum wage over the last few years,” MDCEP Executive Director Benjamin Orr said. “However, our analysis demonstrates that $10.10 per hour is still far from what people need to afford a basic standard of living – a roof over their heads, food on the table, and transportation to get to work. Our policymakers must take steps to ensure that all Marylanders reap the benefits of economic growth.”

Additional findings from the report:

• There is nowhere in Maryland where even a single adult working full time can get by on less than $15 per hour.
• 273,000 children would benefit from higher family income.
• 90 percent of affected workers are at least 20 years old, and 3 out of 5 work full time
• Workers benefiting include one in four Maryland working women, 1 in 4 Maryland workers of color, and 23,000 veterans.
• Maryland workers are 75 percent more productive than they were in 1979, but growing inequality has meant that most have seen few benefits.

The full report is available at mdeconomy.org/minimumwage.

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Media Contact

Kali Schumitz, Director of Communications and Partner Engagement
410-412-9105, ext. 701
kschumitz@mdeconomy.org

About Maryland Center on Economic Policy

The Maryland Center on Economic Policy advances innovative policy ideas to foster broad prosperity and help our state be the standard-bearer for responsible public policy. We engage in research, analysis, strategic communications, public education, and grassroots alliances promoting robust debate and greater public awareness of the policy choices Maryland residents face together.