Panel OKs Minimum Wage Hike

WASHINGTON — The Senate Labor Committee voted 11 to 5 today to approve legislation that would increase the current $3.35-an-hour federal minimum wage by $1.20 over the next three years.

The legislation, sponsored by committee Chairman Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), would raise the wage rate to $4.55 per hour over three years, as does a proposal being considered by House leaders. Although several Republican senators had earlier said they would offer amendments to the bill, none were introduced at the meeting. “There was no reason to take on those issues in committee,” said Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah). “There will be amendments when the bill gets to the floor.”