AUGUSTA, Maine — The Maine Legislature is set debate a bill today that will bump the state’s minimum wage by $1.50 an hour from $7.50 to $9.00 in a three-stage approach starting in July 2014.

The measure also builds in an inflation-based trigger that would boost the minimum wage accordingly each year after 2017.





Currently Mainers working full-time for minimum wage earn $15,600 a year, according to a press release issued by Maine House Democrats Wednesday announcing the bill — LD 611, An Act To Adjust Maine’s Minimum Wage Annually Based on Cost — was coming up for a floor vote.

“We are talking about putting money in the pockets of Maine workers, who will then spend in Maine’s economy,” said House Majority Leader Rep. Seth Berry, D-Bowdoinham. “If the price of bread and milk go up, wages need to follow.”

If the bill passes the House it will move for a vote in the Senate later today.

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