THE ISSUE:
The Howard County Council is being asked to pass a living-wage bill, which would require most contractors with five or more workers who do at least $100,000 a year in county work to pay at least $12.41 an hour, which is 125 percent of the federal poverty guideline. That is higher than the $11.30-an-hour standard set for the Central Maryland region in a similar law on state government contracts. Advocates say the county's high cost of living justifies the legislation, while opponents say it could drive up government costs. Should the council approve a living-wage bill?
