A Vermont Senate committee has voted to approve increasing the state minimum wage to $15 an hour.
The Senate Economic Development Committee moved to support the measure in a 4 - 1 vote. Under the plan, the minimum wage would be raised gradually until it reaches $15 an hour by 2024.
Vermont Public Radio reports committee chairman Democratic Senator Michael Sirotkin says the bill will help residents struggling with income inequality and pump money back into the state's economy. Sirotkin says small businesses will be able to adjust because the raise is incremental.
Senator David Soucy, a Republican, voted against the measure and worries it could hurt small businesses that can't afford to pay higher wages.
Republican Governor Phil Scott strongly opposes legislation and believes it will hurt small businesses.
All contents © copyright 2018 Associated Press. All rights reserved.
