Baker Supports Minimum Wage Hike

Republican candidate for governor Charlie Baker is backing an increase in the state's minimum wage to $10.50 per hour, but says it should be coupled with tax breaks for individuals and small businesses.

Baker released a series of economic proposals on Monday while beginning a statewide campaign tour.

He endorsed a House-passed bill that would raise the minimum wage to $10.50 per hour over three years. But he said that would not be enough to help low-income workers and also called for doubling of the state's earned income tax credit.

He also proposed tax credits for small businesses to offset the cost a minimum wage hike.

Baker, the 2010 Republican nominee for governor, will face in the GOP primary tea party member Mark Fisher, who opposes a minimum wage hike.