According to WMTW, on January 1, 2020, the minimum wage in Maine will increase from $11 an hour to $12.

The news station also states that the state’s minimum salary for exemption from overtime eligibility will rise from $33,000 to $36,000 per year. If workers are paid at least this amount they are exempt from the overtime pay requirement.

So things are changing with the coming of the new year!

Laura Fortman who is the commissioner for the Maine Department of Labor said in the WMTW article:

"The Maine Department of Labor estimates that approximately 1,600 Maine workers will be newly eligible for overtime pay protection due to the changes as of January 1st"

This won't come as a surprise, but when the news hit social media people had lots of opinions!

Many people believe this raise is justified because the cost of living has gone up; rent, food, gas, etc.

Others believe that minimum wage jobs aren't meant to be careers. If you don't want to be paid minimum wage, learn a skill.

My belief? If you live in America and work 40 hours a week you should make enough money to live comfortably. You deserve a roof over your head and food in your belly.

What do you think? Will this change benefit Mainers?

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