By MICHAEL KITCH, LACONIA DAILY SUNCONCORD — Withe sole exception of Rep. David Huot (D-Laconia), the remaining members of the Belknap County delegation, all Republicans, this week voted with the majority when the New Hampshire House of Representatives rejected legislation to introduce a minimum wage of $9 per hour which would rise to $12 per hour in 2019 by a vote of 193 to 169. Those voting against the bill were Reps. Marc Abear and Herb Vadney of Meredith, Glen Aldrich and Norm Silber of Gilford, Barbara Comtois of Barnstead, Dennis Fields and Tim Lang of Sanbornton, Ray Howard and Peter Varney of Alton, Michael Maloney of Gilmanton, Peter Spanos of Laconia, and Michael Sylvia of Belmont. Republican Reps. Robert Fisher and Don Flanders of Laconia, Jon Plumer of Belmont and Valerie Fraser of New Hampton were excused and did not vote. New Hampshire has no state minimum wage, but instead applies the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour, ensuring itself of the lowest minimum wage among the six New England states. The minimum wage is $9 in Maine, $10 in Vermont, $11 in Massachusetts, $10.10 in Connecticut and $9.60 in Rhode Island.

Source: Daily Sun March 11, 2017 06:11 UTC