CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Two Democratic lawmakers from Cheyenne are sponsoring legislation that would raise Wyoming's minimum wage from $5.15 to $9 per hour.

State Sen. Floyd Esquibel says it's difficult for workers to earn a living on the current minimum wage. State Rep. James Byrd also is sponsoring the bill.

The federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour almost always is the rate paid in Wyoming because federal law trumps state law. The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports an exception is the rare job that doesn't involve interstate trade.

The bill also would boost the minimum wage for tipped employees from $2.13 to $5 an hour.

Opponents of raising the minimum wage include the Wyoming Lodging and Restaurant Association. The group says higher labor costs could reduce job opportunities for restaurant workers.

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