Maine governor vetoes bill to create a minimum wage for agricultural workers

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.