The minimum wage would go up a dollar to $8.25 an hour next year under a bill approved by the Democratically-controlled House. The measure, which passed 173-118, increases the wage to $9 in 2016, and starting in 2017, ties it to the inflation rate.
Supporters say the move helps the working poor.
Opponents argue increasing the wage will hurt business and reduce employment. The measure faces an uphill fight in the GOP-held Senate.
Right now, New Hampshire doesn’t have its own minimum wage, and relies on the federal rate of $7.25.