Governor Urges Compromise On Minimum Wage Bill

Gov. Deval Patrick says he's confident House and Senate lawmakers will hammer out a compromise on minimum wage legislation that has run into parliamentary roadblocks on Beacon Hill.

Patrick said the difference between the House and Senate bills isn't great.

The House bill would increase the hourly wage from $8 to $10.50 over two years. The Senate would bump it to $11 per hour over three years.

The Senate bill would automatically link future increases to the rate of inflation, something the House bill doesn't do.

Patrick said linking future minimum wage increases to inflation is something that could work, but his immediate concern is getting a higher minimum wage in place.

Patrick said he's talked to House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Senate President Therese Murray about the need to craft a compromise bill. (Associated Press)