Below is the statement by Donald C. Fry, President and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee, on the decision today by the Baltimore City Council to send proposed legislation that would have increased the city's minimum wage to $15-per-hour back to the Labor Committee for further review:

" The Greater Baltimore Committee appreciates that the City Council considered the many points of view expressed on this proposal, including the GBC's, and has determined there are serious issues that need more review. The GBC stands firm in its belief that this bill should be defeated as it will have very serious consequences for employers and hurt Baltimore's ability to compete for business and jobs."

The GBC, along with many of the city's large and small employers, has opposed the proposal to increase Baltimore City's minimum wage since it was introduced earlier this year, mainly due to concerns over the negative impact the law would have on job creation and economic prosperity. Additionally, the city's finance department has indicated it would cost city government $145 million over seven years to comply with this proposal.

ABOUT THE GREATER BALTIMORE COMMITTEE:

The Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) is a regional organization of business and civic leaders that includes businesses, nonprofit organizations and educational and civic institutions. It is the leading voice for the private sector in the Baltimore region on issues relating to economic growth, job creation, workforce development, transportation, the business climate and quality of life. The GBC has approximately 500 member organizations, which include small businesses, mid-size companies, nonprofits and the largest corporations in the Greater Baltimore region.