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Minimum Wage Measure Delayed in Delaware

Don Rush

DOVER, Del. (AP) - Legislation to increase Delaware's $8.25 minimum wage by $2 over four years has generated sharp discussion in the state Senate.

Bill sponsor Robert Marshall of Wilmington tabled the bill Tuesday after lengthy debate, saying later he didn't know whether it had enough votes to pass.

Supporters say the measure will help struggling low-wage earners. Opponents say it will lead to businesses cutting jobs, hiring fewer workers and even leaving Delaware.

To boost the bill's chances, Marshall added an amendment delaying the start of the annual 50-cent increases until 2017, instead of this year. He also hinted that he might eliminate a provision calling for cost-of-living adjustments tied to Social Security benefit increases.

Lawmakers were to resume their debate Wednesday.

Democratic Gov. Jack Markell won't say whether he supports the bill.

Don Rush is the News Director at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.