The bill would raise the minimum wage to $15 dollars-an-hour faster than the planned timeline. But it would keep the wage for tipped workers lower than that, in contrast to the incoming law.
Democratic Senator Kevin Hertel sponsors the bill. He says he believes Democrats and Republicans are close to agreement.
“I think the point here is to make sure that everybody is focused on getting to that deal and not playing politics, on the process of getting there.”
But Republican Senator Roger Hauck says he doubts Democrats will be able to pass their proposal.
“It's in their court. And they from what I understand, they can't even get the votes they need to get it out.”
Some labor groups have pushed lawmakers to not change the minimum wage law at all before it takes effect.
