Issue Position: Economy / Jobs

Issue Position

On the Prince George's County Council I was a strong supporter of increasing our minimum wage to the highest in the state, $11.50 as of October 1, 2018. It is not enough. In Maryland, where there is a very high cost of living, I will advocate for a $15/hr statewide minimum wage. It can be phased in over 4 years, with larger employers required to pay it first (50+ workers) followed by smaller employers.

Public and private sector labor unions are still relevant despite efforts around the country to shut them down. Unions provide important apprenticeship and job opportunities and most importantly they ensure workers receive good wages and benefits. I will advocate for Project Labor Agreements on public works projects with no end runs around the formula that triggers a PLA, strict enforcement of prevailing wage laws (Davis-Bacon) and serious penalties for violators. Organized labor is largely responsible for creation of the middle class in this country and the decline of unions has hurt our standard of living nationally. I grew up in a union family, so this issue is personal for me.

Infrastructure investments in roads, bridges, airports, dams and ports, transit systems, water and wastewater infrastructure and public schools and parks have been insufficient for decades in Maryland and across the country. On its 2017 Infrastructure Report Card, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) gave the nation a D+ rating.

Investing in public infrastructure and continued maintenance and upkeep of those systems will create long-term, living wage jobs. I will advocate for greater investment in those systems, with a focus on school modernization, wastewater infrastructure, parks upgrades, road investments and better linked transit. ASCE reports that the state has at least a $615 million gap in school capital expenses (this is likely much higher) and a need to invest $10 billion in wastewater infrastructure over 20 years. Our coveted public parks have $80 million in deferred maintenance and 24% of Maryland's public roads are in poor condition. Not only are we not spending money properly on these systems, the failure to invest is costly. ASCE estimates that it costs Maryland motorists $550 per year driving on roads needing repair. For workers who rely on transit -- bus, light rail and commuter trains -- there were a staggering 154,507,328 unlinked passenger trips. These missing connections mean higher transportation costs for workers, lost productivity and lost wages. Smart investments require "leadership, planning and a clear vision" says ASCE. I commit to be a part of that wise investment strategy.

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