Election Day 2016 is just three weeks away and we've been taking a closer look at the five citizen initiative questions and one bond question that Mainers will be voting on. Today we take a closer look at Maine Ballot Question 4 'Maine Minimum Wage Increase' question.

 

This is how the question will look on the ballot:

Do you want to raise the minimum hourly wage of $7.50 to $9 in 2017, with annual $1 increases up to $12 in 2020, and annual cost-of-living increases thereafter; and do you want to raise the direct wage for service workers who receive tips from half the minimum wage to $5 in 2017, with annual $1 increases until it reaches the adjusted minimum wage?

Those in favor of question four argue that the minimum wage does not provide a living wage and will reduce the number of Maine residents who need public assistance and is particularly important for single parents and the elderly.

Those against the question argue that a $12 minimum wage is too high and would be detrimental to small business owners and would discourage new businesses from coming to Maine.

What do you think?

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