Collins pushes for federal minimum wage even lower than Maine’s rate

Analysts have pointed out that, factoring in inflation, Collins’ new proposal provides even less for low-wage workers than what she supported previously. In 2014, Collins voted against a $10.10 federal minimum wage and then attempted to broker a deal with a group of centrist lawmakers including Maine independent Sen. Angus King for $9 an hour.

“The $9/hr proposal would have phased in by 2016,” tweeted James Myall, a policy analyst at the Maine Center for Economic Policy. “In 2026 dollars, that would be about $10.75. So by this measure, Senator Collins is going backwards on the minimum wage.”

Click here to read the full story, February 26, 2021 in Beacon.