A proposal to increase Maryland’s minimum wage from the current $15 per hour to $25 has prompted significant concern among small business owners. Many predict that such a dramatic increase could lead to economic challenges, including higher consumer prices and potential business closures. Gail Furman, owner of Max’s Taphouse in Fells Point, expressed her doubts, stating, “It’s not sustainable. Small business can’t do this.”
Supporters of the increase argue that the existing wage is insufficient to meet the escalating cost of living. Natali Fani-González, a councilwoman from Montgomery County, highlighted the financial struggles of residents, saying, “The cost of living is high and people struggle to pay for homes, food, for child care.”
Despite these concerns, small business owners like Furman worry that the proposed wage hike will force them to raise prices dramatically. “To buy a beer at Max’s, you’re gonna have to pay $15-20. Never in my lifetime did I think that would be the case,” she remarked. The fear of increased prices reflects broader apprehensions about the sustainability of small businesses in the face of high operational costs.
The potential implications of a minimum wage increase extend beyond just pricing. Elaine Parker, president of the Job Creators Network Foundation, emphasized that similar wage hikes in other states have led to job losses and increased automation. “It sounds great in theory, it’s great for politicians, but it will hurt small businesses and Main Street, and it will hurt workers,” Parker asserted.
As the debate continues, small business owners are left weighing the potential consequences of the proposed wage increase. Many fear that while the intention may be to support workers, the reality could be detrimental to their livelihoods. The discussion surrounding the minimum wage in Maryland exemplifies the complex balance between supporting employees and ensuring the survival of small businesses in an evolving economic landscape.
The Maryland legislature is expected to further discuss the proposal in the coming months, as stakeholders on both sides of the issue prepare to advocate for their positions. The outcome of this proposal could significantly shape the state’s economic future and the viability of small businesses across Maryland.
