Maine-Line Opposition: Key GOP Senator Likely to Vote No on Minimum Wage Hike

WASHINGTON (AP) — Moderate Republican Sen. Susan Collins says she expects to oppose the Democratic effort to raise the federal minimum wage, all but dooming the election-year proposal.

The Senate is expected to vote Wednesday on the measure. It would gradually raise today's $7.25 hourly minimum to $10.10 over 30 months.

The long-shot measure needs GOP support to survive but faces strong Republican opposition. Democrats think the vote will help them cast Republicans as uninterested in helping low-wage workers.

Collins has said she's been seeking a compromise with senators from both parties.

The Maine senator tells a reporter there is interest among about a dozen lawmakers, but no consensus on a plan.

She said she expects to oppose the bill because she believes Democrats won't let her try to amend the measure.