The California Assembly approved a bill that would increase the minimum wage 15% over the next 18 months to $7.75 an hour on Wednesday. Democrats who support the bill argue that it is difficult to survive on the current minimum wage, and that most low-wage earners are trying to support a family. Republicans feel that the legislation puts an undue burden on California businesses.
See "Assembly OKs Wage Increase", Robert Salladay, Los Angeles Times, May 26, 2004