Legislative Hall in Dover, Del. (Delaware Public Media)

The Delaware Senate Labor Committee approved a bill that would increase Delaware’s minimum wage to $15 an hour despite vocal opposition from the business, hospitality and agriculture communities. It now awaits a vote before the full Senate. Critics say the bill would cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars in pay increases for state workers, lead to less hiring – notably in organizations and state agencies serving people with disabilities – and create a barrier for young people trying to enter the workforce.