A proposal to increase New Hampshire’s minimum wage will face its toughest challenge this week, as it goes before the Republican-led Senate.
Last week, the Senate Finance Committee voted 4-2 to kill the bill that would increase the state’s minimum hourly wage to $8.25 next year.
The rate would increase again to $9 an hour in 2016, and would then be automatically tied to inflation.
New Hampshire has the lowest minimum wage in New England, following the federal rate of $7.25 an hour.
Several business groups oppose the increase, saying it would ultimately force them to hire fewer workers.
The democratically-controlled House passed the bill in March.
Governor Maggie Hassan sent a letter to Senate Finance Committee members last week urging them to pass the measure.
The Senate is scheduled to vote on the bill Thursday.
