December 31st, 2020 by WCBC Radio
WBAL reports it's been an unthinkable year for millions of business owners hit hard during the coronavirus pandemic. Some struggling businesses are concerned as a new minimum wage increase looms in the new year.
On Friday, the minimum wage will increase in the state, while many businesses are still trying their best to survive the pandemic.
A decision that sparked debate in the state's Capitol, passing some roadblocks to eventually, in March 2019, state lawmakers overriding the governor's veto of the minimum wage bill.
"I hate to make this only the burden of businesses,” said Sen. Stephen Hershey, R-Caroline, Cecil, Kent & Queen Anne's counties.
"The most issue in this country today is raising the incomes of working people,” said Sen. Jim Rosapepe, D-Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties.
Though, exactly one year later a deadly virus would come, crippling the state's economy.
"We have a big problem whether we pay the rent all the way,” Philly’s Best owner Guyanendra Gahadraj said.
And for Gahadraj, months of enduring the pandemic could become more difficult in the new year when the minimum wage in Maryland goes up.
"That's going to be a big problem for the employers. If business goes more down, I don't hire new employees. I have no money,” Gahadraj said.
Starting Friday, the minimum wage increases to $11.75 for people working for employers who have 15 or more employees.
It increases to $11.60 for those working for employers with 14 or fewer employees.
The minimum wage is set to increase by 75 cents a year until it reaches $15 by the year 2025.
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