ANNAPOLIS, Md., Jan. 17 (UPI) -- The Maryland General Assembly, overriding a veto for the second time in as many weeks, has increased the minimum wage in the state to $6.15.
The Maryland Senate voted 30-17 Tuesday to join the House, which overrode the veto last week, to push the state minimum wage to $1 more than the federal government demands.
It was the second time in two weeks the Democratic-controlled General Assembly quashed a veto by Gov. Robert Ehrlich, a Republican. Last week, the Legislature voted to put into place a law forcing large employers in the state to pay a certain amount of their employees' healthcare coverage.
Ehrlich vetoed the minimum wage measure, saying it would hurt small businesses. Democrats argued the increase was needed to help families dealing with higher energy costs, The Washington Post reported.
The new rate will take affect in Maryland Feb. 16.
The Post said 17 other states and the District of Columbia have minimum wages higher than the federal mandate of $5.15.
