Gov. Hogan Vetoes 3 Bills, Including Minimum Wage Bill, School Calendar Changes

Gov. Larry Hogan vetoed three bills on Wednesday, including the $15 minimum wage measure, which passed the General Assembly last week by veto-proof margins.

Earlier Wednesday, though Hogan didn't exactly say he would veto the minimum wage bill, he didn't have many kind words for it either during a sit-down with C4.

"Maryland is a small border state in the middle of all these other states that are much much lower," Hogan said. "It could end up hurting the very people that we're supposedly trying to help."

The Maryland Chamber of Commerce cheered the veto.

“We’ve heard first hand that the $15 minimum wage increase would impact thousands of businesses across the state,” president and CEO Christine Ross said in a statement. “Instead of threatening jobs, losing businesses and risking the competitiveness of Maryland, we need to focus on job training and workforce development. It’s the most meaningful way to permanently and positively impact the lives of those that have economic and social challenges.”

Sen. Cory McCray, the bill's Senate sponsor, called the veto disappointing.

“The Fight for $15 sends a message that the State of Maryland values working class families who play an invaluable role in our economy but are struggling to afford basic living expenses," McCray said in a statement. "Like the majority of our State’s voters, the Maryland Senate recognizes that now is the time to raise the minimum wage to $15.”

If lawmakers override Hogan's veto, the bill would raise the minimum wage to $15 for most employers in 2025, and for small businesses in 2026.

The governor also vetoed one bill that would essentially undo his order that forced schools to start after Labor Day and another bill that would take alcohol and tobacco enforcement out of the comptroller's office. He blasted both as politically motivated.

He earlier pledged to spearhead a referendum push if the school bill became law.

“I tried to work with members of the Maryland General Assembly on a compromise bill, which was not even scheduled for a hearing," Hogan said in a statement. "The legislation would have allowed any local school system that decides to start school before Labor Day to be required to put that decision on the ballot for the voters of that jurisdiction to decide for themselves. Our administration’s bill would have offered genuine, local control over this important issue."

In February, Comptroller Peter Franchot suggested the bill affecting his own office was political payback for his closeness with the governor, and questioned the motives of one of the sponsors.

"The reorganization contemplated by House Bill 1052 creates significant budgetary implications and unnecessary disruption for the regulated industries," Hogan said.