News

Senators kill proposal to raise minimum wage

by Walter Pierce

Business organizations opposed the proposal, saying it would lead to job losses and higher prices for goods and services.

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Senators have rejected a proposal that could have increased the minimum wage in Louisiana, a vote that's expected to shelve the debate for the legislative session.

Without objection Thursday, the Senate Labor Committee killed the bill by Sen. Ben Nevers, a Bogalusa Democrat. The House Labor Committee earlier rejected a proposal to raise the minimum wage above the federal hourly rate of $7.25.

Under Nevers' proposal, voters in a statewide election would have decided whether to require businesses to pay at least $9.50 an hour.

Supporters say a wage increase would help the working poor in a state known for its poverty.

Business organizations opposed the proposal, saying it would lead to job losses and higher prices for goods and services.