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Florida lawmakers are fighting to raise the state minimum wage for Florida’s lowest paid workers. As Matt Horn reports opponents say it will have a negative affect for Floridians.

These fast food workers all make slightly more than the states minimum wage of seven ninety three an hour. Manager Jason McQueen says it’s difficult to make ends meet for many, but a proposed hike in the state’s minimum wage may hurt more Floridians in the long run.

“You wouldn’t hire like two people, you might hire one person for two if you’re paying that much,” said Jason McQueen, Fast Food Manager.

Florida Democratic lawmakers are pushing to increase the minimum wage to 10 dollars 10 cents an hour – even for tipped employees.

“Our hope is of course to move people out of poverty, make folks not have to be as reliant on public assistance as they have been in the past,” said Senator Dwight Bullard, (D) Cutler Bay.

Republican lawmakers say they won’t support such the hike.

“It hurts people and it hurts opportunities for increased employment and there’s just no way you can argue anything other than that,” said Representative Neil Combee, (R) Auburndale.

A 2004 Florida constitutional amendment increases the state minimum wage each year to keep pace with inflation. This month’s increase puts Florida’s minimum wage 68 cents higher than the national wage.

The legislation would only force raises for those making the least…not everyone in the workplace.

“And unfortunately you’re right, this bill doesn’t create a solution for that,” said Senator Bullard.

Florida’s 2014 minimum wage increase adds roughly five extra dollars a week to a person’s paycheck.