PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine’s Democratic governor vetoed on Tuesday a bill to establish a minimum hourly wage for agricultural workers that she initially submitted herself.
Gov. Janet Mills proposed setting the minimum wage for farm workers at $14.15 per hour. That is the same as the state’s minimum wage for non-tipped employees.
The proposal passed the Maine Legislature and appeared headed for enactment. However, Mills vetoed the proposal over changes lawmakers made to the legislation prior to passing it.
Mills said lawmakers amended the bill to allow for privately initiated litigation. She said in her veto message that she preferred to allow the Maine Department of Labor to handle possible violations.
Mills said in her message that she “did not want to veto this bill” but felt left with no recourse.
“I do not believe Maine farmers should face the prospect of privately initiated lawsuits, which would almost certainly lead to losing more farms in the long run,” Mills said.
Remains believed to be missing woman, daughter found at West Virginia home on same day suspect died
Liubao Tea Industry Thriving in Wuzhou, S China
10th National Constitution Day Marked in China
Traditional Ethnic Culture Emphasized on Campus in S China's Guangxi
Leonardo DiCaprio's girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti showcases her jaw
Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks on Gaza rises to 32,226
InPics: China Welcomes Return of CPV Soldiers' Remains for 10 Consecutive Years
Small Chinese Town Goes Big with Magic of Animation
Is journalist Vicky Xu preparing to return to China? — Radio Free Asia
Tibetan Festival Celebrated at Foot of 'China's Most Beautiful Peak'
Bayer CEO optimistic about expanding Chinese market
Beijing Greets the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for Int'l Cooperation