No minimum wage hike this session

Those hoping the Legislature would increase the state's minimum wage will be disappointed. That's because DFLers in the Minnesota House and Senate couldn't reach agreement on a new base wage.

House Democrats were pushing for the minimum wage to increase $9.50 an hour. Senate Democrats pushed to increase the wage $7.75 an hour.

Rep. Ryan Winkler, DFL-Golden Valley, says he's disappointed that Senate Democrats weren't willing to go higher. He said he'll continue to push for a higher wage next year.

"We're talking about a pay increase for 350,000 Minnesota workers that would help the economy and make a big difference in their lives," Winkler said. "And if the people who say they're Democrats aren't willing to do that then I question whether they're being honest about their own values."

The current state minimum wage is $6.15 an hour but most workers earn the higher federal minimum wage.

DFL Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk says he plans expect lawmakers to work on the issue over the interim. He says he expects a wage hike to pass next session.

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