Maine Senate votes to increase minimum wage

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) -- The Maine Senate has voted to increase the minimum wage but faces more votes before it's sent to the governor's desk.

The Senate gave preliminary approval Tuesday on a 19-16 vote along party lines. The House approved the measure last week to increase the minimum wage by $9 by 2016.

Maine, where the current minimum wage is $7.50 per hour, is one of more than a dozen states that have minimum wages that are higher than the federal minimum of $7.25.

But Maine's minimum hasn't increased in four years. Democratic Sen. John Patrick of Rumford said the bill helps to ensure "an honest day's work is rewarded with an honest day's paycheck."