Portland voters Tuesday night approved a measure to gradually raise the minimum wage from its current rate of $15.50 an hour to $19 an hour over the next three years.

A Maine Center for Economic Policy analysis said 15,000 Portland workers, many in marginalized groups, will benefit from the ordinance and could see an average increase to their income of nearly $2,100 a year.

Jason Shedlock is President of the Southern Maine Labor Council.

"People of color, women, and young people are notoriously paid a lower wage. What Portland voters said last night was that's unacceptable. We understand it's expensive to live here and to raise a family here," Shedlock said.

MECEP said workers in the hospitality, entertainment, personal support and retail industries will benefit the most.

"When you ha

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