Legislation that would increase the minimum hourly wage in Maryland to $15 would mean higher salaries for struggling workers, but may also mean higher prices and companies leaving the state, supporters and opponents told lawmakers this month.

House Bill 166, or the “Fight for 15,” would raise the state minimum wage from $10.10 to $15 an hour by 2023. Lawmakers heard just as much opposition as support for the legislation at a House Committee hearing Feb. 6.

Identical legislation, Senate Bill 280, sponsored by Sen. Cory McCray (D-Baltimore), was heard on Thursday. Neither piece of legislation has advanced out of committee.

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