Sec. 1. 26 MRSA §664, sub-§1, as enacted by PL 1995, c. 305, §1, is amended to read:

1. Minimum wage. The minimum hourly wage is $4.25 $5.15 per hour. If the highest federal minimum wage is increased in excess of $4.25 per hour, the minimum wage must be increased to the same amount, effective on the same date as the increase in the federal minimum wage, but in no case may the minimum wage exceed $5.15 per hour. Starting October 1, 2001, the minimum hourly wage is $5.65 per hour.__Starting October 1, 2002, the minimum hourly wage is $6.25 per hour.

SUMMARY

This bill provides for an increase in the state minimum wage to $5.65 per hour beginning October 1, 2001 and to $6.25 per hour beginning October 1, 2002.