Pushing back on veto, farmworker advocates say Mills’ proposal scaled back labor rights

MAINE MORNING STAR • May 7, 2024

Supporters of a bill vetoed by Gov. Janet Mills that would have established a minimum wage for farmworkers say changes the governor wanted would have significantly scaled back existing labor rights and reduced farmworkers’ ability to recoup unpaid wages. Legislators will vote on whether or not to override that veto on Friday. Proponents of the bill were deeply frustrated after the governor’s veto late last month, saying it was “absolutely ridiculous” for Mills to reject a measure she herself proposed. However, Mills said while she supports a minimum wage for agricultural workers, changes made to her bill by the Legislature left her with no choice but to oppose the measure.