Changes to state minimum wage laws went into effect at the start of the new year. Maine’s hourly minimum wage went from $12 to $12.15.
Starting in 2021, Maine will now begin increasing the minimum wage based on the price of living index in the state each year. For the last three years, Maine’s minimum had increased by $1, following a referendum approved by voters in 2016.
The minimum wage has also risen for workers who earn wages partially in tips. The minimum wage for tipped employees is now $6.08 per hour.
The state labor commissioner, Laura Fortman, said the Maine Department of Labor estimates 1,600 Maine workers will be newly eligible for overtime pay protection.
Megan Diver
Megan has worked in Maine politics for more than ten years and all of her professional career, having served in many roles for elected officials (including former Secretary of State Charlie Summers), in-house with the Maine Association of REALTORS®, legislative specialist at Pierce Atwood LLP providing lobbying services and support to Pierce Atwood’s government relations clients and most recently senior government relations specialist at the Maine State Chamber of Commerce. Megan currently is the Vice President at the Maine Energy Marketers Association, utilizing her vast knowledge and legislative experience at the State House to represent MEMA on policies relating to the Association and its members.