An Iowa Senate committee has approved a bill that would ban local governments from raising the minimum hourly wage in the state, effectively causing pay cuts for some workers.
The 9-6 vote Wednesday by the Senate State Government Committee means the bill is now available for debate in the full Republican-controlled chamber, where it has support.
The GOP-led House passed the bill this month.
Governor Terry Branstad has indicated he backs the legislation.
The bill would prohibit cities or counties from adopting or enforcing ordinances that raise the minimum hourly wage above the state level of $7.25.
That would override wage increases approved in four east-central Iowa counties.
