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Dispatches from public radio's correspondent at the Oregon Legislature. This is a venue for political and policy coverage of the state government in Salem and its impact on the people of Oregon.

Minimum Wage Plan Moving Forward In Oregon Legislature

M.O. Stevens
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Wikimedia Commons - bit.ly/225LXJl

A plan to hike Oregon's minimum wage is moving forward in the Oregon Legislature. A measure cleared a committee Friday and is headed for a vote on the Senate floor.

The proposal would increase Oregon's minimum wage to as high as $14.75 per hour over the next six years. The exact amount depends on where you live. The bill sets up three different minimum wages: One for the Portland metro area, a lower one for mid-size communities, and the lowest for rural parts of the state.

That's a change from the plan floated by Governor Kate Brown. And the two groups trying to get a minimum wage hike on the ballot have given the proposal mixed reviews.

It comes as business groups opposed to a minimum wage hike are launching a statewide ad campaign blasting what they call Portland special interests for pushing the plan forward.

The ad targets Democrats who serve rural districts. If the Senate approves the minimum wage hike, the bill would head to the Oregon House.