By Patrick Whittle
Associated Press (AP), Nov 9, 2016

PORTLAND — Maine voters have decided to give the state's lowest wage earners a raise. They approved a ballot initiative that boosts the hourly minimum wage of $7.50 to $12 by 2020. ...

HIKING MINIMUM WAGE

Voters decided to put more money in the pockets of the state's lowest wage earners.

A ballot question called for the hourly minimum wage to increase from $7.50 to $12 by 2020. It was approved. The raise will come in installments. The minimum wage is set to increase to $9 next year and then go up $1 annually until it reaches $12 in 2020. The proposal also includes benefits for tipped workers.

Supporters and opponents of the referendum were divided about whether the expense would penalize small business owners. Michael Landgarten, who owns three restaurants in the state, said the pay raise is overdue.

"Anyone who works 40 hours a week should make a living wage," he said. "That's an employer's responsibility." ...

Read more in Maine Sun Journal (numerous other papers)