California lawmakers weigh nation's highest entry level wage

Gov. Jerry Brown and Democratic legislative leaders are promoting the boost as a matter of economic justice, and as an example to a nation struggling with a growing divide between rich and poor.

"There's no doubt in this country the gap between the better off and those that struggle at the bottom of our economic world has grown bigger and bigger, and it is quite incredible that there is so much power, so much wealth, and so many people struggling," the Democratic governor said as he unveiled his agreement with labor unions.

[...] opponents said the planned votes in the Assembly and Senate will further harm California's already poor business climate.