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Wage debate underway at Capitol

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Feb 25, 2013 at 5:29 pm

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) Minnesota lawmakers are moving toward their first committee vote on legislation to raise the minimum wage.

The House Labor, Workforce and Regulated Industries Committee plans to vote Thursday on a bill that would increase the floor wage in three steps until it reaches $10.55 in August 2015. After that future increases would be pegged to inflation, which would automatically boost it without legislative votes.

On Monday, a House committee heard testimony from economists from left-leaning think tanks about benefits of a higher minimum wage.

Minnesota hasn't raised its minimum wage since 2005. The minimum wage in Minnesota law is currently $6.15 per hour, though many workers automatically receive the higher federal minimum of $7.25 per hour.

An all-Democratic state government gives good odds to a minimum-wage increase.