For years, Minnesota employers have only been required to pay their minimum wage workers $6.15 an hour. If that sounds unusually low, it's because it is. The federal minimum wage standard is currently $7.25 an hour, and according to the Star Tribune, some small businesses in the North Star State are even allowed to pay employees as little as $5.25 an hour for their time and attendance.

Fortunately for most Minnesota residents, lawmakers are now seeking to raise the minimum wage. As reported by Minnesota CBS affiliate WCCO, the House Ways and Means Committee approved the legislation in late April. Despite opposition from many Republicans, the bill is on its way to a full House floor vote.

Minnesota last raised its minimum wage in 2005, the source says, and it is currently one of the nation's lowest.

"We want people who are working full-time to make enough money that they can support their families ... and achieve the American dream," governor Mark Dayton told the Star Tribune.

While it has been decided that the minimum wage will be raised, it is unclear how much the increase will be. One proposal would have the minimum wage up to $9.50 an hour by 2015, while others suggest $10.55 and $7.75.

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