Colorado Democrats advance minimum wage measures

Colorado House Democrats advanced measures to raise the minimum wage over objections from Republicans who say it’s a costly idea.

Democrats gave initial approval Monday to asking voters to raise Colorado’s minimum wage from $8.23 an hour to $12.50 by 2020. They also gave preliminary approval to letting municipalities set their own minimum wage.

The measures are temporary victories for Democrats. They don’t have the two thirds support needed during a final vote later in the House to get the referred question to voters. The measure letting local governments set a minimum wage can pass the House, but will likely die in the GOP-led Senate.

Still, Democrats want to set the stage for a ballot question later.

Republicans say increasing the minimum way will drive up business costs and the price of consumer goods.