King still noncommittalon minimum wage bill

AUGUSTA — Gov. Angus King remained noncommittal Monday on a minimum-wage bill that appears likely to wind up on his desk.

Both the Senate and House have given initial approval to the bill, which would increase Maine’s minimum wage from $5.15 to $5.40 an hour. However, the margins are not veto-proof.

The independent governor has refused to say outright he would veto the bill, an act that some believe could give Democrats and organized labor a campaign issue to use against him as he runs for re-election.

“I just think this is a kind of issue that’s better dealt with on a national level,” King said.

“I got an e-mail Friday from a small restaurant owner who said that when the last increase went into effect, which was last year, he went from 20 employees to 17,” the governor said.

At the same time, King said he realized trying to live on $5.15 an hour “is pretty tough.”