ProVote asks Sen. Bond to back Minimum Wage.

Missouri ProVote is asking voters to call Sen. Kit Bond to encourage him to support raising the minimum wage. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a similar measure almost two weeks ago with six of the nine members of Missouri's delegation voting in favor. Joining the four Democratic Representatives, Reps. Kenny Hulshof, R-9, and Jo Ann Emerson, R-8, voted in favor of the increase.

The bill is currently before the Senate which is expected to vote to end debate today or tomorrow with the final vote likely next week.

If passed, the bill will increase the federal minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 by 2009.

In November, Missouri voters approved an increase in the state's minimum wage from $5.15 to $6.50 an hour with an overwhelming 76% of the vote. Several communities have challenged the measure in court due to a provision in the law that removes the overtime exemption allowed fire and police departments. The law states that all wage-earners working over 40 hours earn overtime, no exceptions. Currently, police and fire earn overtime under a different formula due to the unique scheduling.

If the federal increase passes, Missouri will be required to adopt the new federal minimum wage.