GGCC is working with the Maryland Chamber and other Chambers of Commerce in Montgomery County and state-wide to distribute action alerts regarding this legislation, which would create unsustainable economic consequences in our business community. Please see the information below, click on the links to take action. Please let your Senator and Delegates know that this legislation is not sustainable.
The GGCC’s joint testimony with other Montgomery Chambers will also be posted here when submitted: Oppose HB1229
HB 1229/SB 886: $25 Minimum Wage + Elimination of Tip Credit
TUESDAY, Feb. 24 — Testimony Sign-Up from 8:00am-6:00pm for House Hearing on Feb 26.
MONDAY, March 9 – Testimony Sign-Up from 8:00am-6:00om for Senate Hearing on March 11.
You must sign up during this window to testify at the House hearing. Once the window closes, no additional sign-ups will be accepted.
This legislation that would require a $25 per hour minimum wage by 2030, eliminate the tip credit, automatically increase wages with inflation, and place these mandates into the Maryland Constitution is moving quickly in Annapolis.
This is one of the most sweeping and permanent changes to employment law Maryland has considered — and the window to weigh in is now.
Learn more about HB 1229/SB 886
Why This Matters to Maryland Employees:
Under this legislation, employers would face:
• A scheduled increase from $15 to $25 per hour in just a few years — a 67% increase
• Full elimination of the tip credit
• Automatic inflation-based wage increases beginning in 2033
• A constitutional amendment that would make future adjustments extremely difficult
For many employers — especially those operating on thin margins — this level of cost acceleration is not sustainable. The ripple effects would extend to pricing, hiring, hours and long-term business viability. If employers do not engage now, this proposal could advance to the 2026 ballot — and once added to the Constitution, it will be extraordinarily difficult to change in the future.
The Window to Act is Now
Supporters argue this policy will raise earnings and protect workers. Maryland’s business community supports fair wages and strong employees. But lawmakers must also consider job sustainability, business viability, consumer affordability and long-term economic competitiveness.
A structural cost increase of this magnitude affects pricing, employment levels and investment decisions across the state. Before this moves forward — and potentially to the 2026 ballot — legislators need to hear directly from the employers in their districts.
Sign up to testify or submit testimony for the House hearing by TUESDAY, Feb 24, 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
• To make things either, we’ve created a sample letter for you to customize
• Step-by-step guidance: mdchamber.org
