Lawmakers start debate over Minn.'s minimum wage

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — From a small tick up to a big bump, Minnesota lawmakers anxious to boost the state's minimum wage start making their case to colleagues this week.

A Minnesota House panel opens its discussion of a probable hike to the floor wage Monday by reviewing presentations on the economic impact of the minimum wage. The same committee was planning to take public testimony on Wednesday. An all-Democratic state government gives good odds to an increase.

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

Competing plans would raise it by a dollar or a couple dollars. Other bills peg future increases to inflation, automatically raising it without a legislative vote.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.