The Massachusetts Senate has voted to increase the state's minimum wage from $8 to $11 dollars per hour by 2016 and tie subsequent increases to inflation.
The bill, approved by a 32-7 vote, would hike the wage for the state's lowest-paid workers in increments over the next three years, with the new wage kicking in next July. Governor Deval Patrick says lawmakers could take another step as well.
The state's minimum wage has not changed since 2008.
The legislation would require the state's minimum wage always be at least 50 cents higher than the federal minimum, which is currently $7.25 per hour.