ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – As Minnesota legislators debate raising the state’s minimum wage, Gov. Mark Dayton says he’d be comfortable with hiking the rate to $9 or $9.50 per hour.

The Democratic governor said Wednesday that a minimum range in that territory is a “good target.” The state’s wage floor is currently $6.15 but most workers at that level qualify for the federal minimum wage of $7.25. The state last raised its minimum wage in 2005.

Legislation moving through the House and Senate varies on the size of an increase, with the House plan hitting $10.55 per hour within three years.

Both proposals link future increases to the rate of inflation, which would take the decision out of the hands of lawmakers going forward. Dayton says he supports making future increases automatic.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)