CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - The New Hampshire Senate on Thursday gave preliminary approval to a bill to establish and then gradually increase the minimum wage.
The state currently defaults to the federal minimum wage of $7.25. Lawmakers last year approved the creation of a state minimum wage, but Republican Gov. Chris Sununu vetoed it.
The vote Thursday in the Democrat-led Senate was 14-10 to raise the state minimum wage to $10 an hour in 2021, and $12 an hour in 2023.
Supporters noted that New Hampshire continues to fall behind its New England neighbors. On Jan. 1, Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts all raised their minimum wage.
“We know that New Hampshire should make decisions based on the economic needs of our state, not based on what comes out of Washington D.C.,” said Senate President Donna Soucy, a Democrat from Manchester and the bill’s prime sponsor.
Opponents said the bill would push small businesses to reduce hours and increase automation of jobs.
“Passing a minimum wage when our economy is surging and businesses are flocking to New Hampshire will only deter growth in New Hampshire,” said Senate Republican Leader Chuck Morse, of Salem. “The only impact we will see from this legislation is a stalled economy and higher unemployment rates.”
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