SPRINGFIELD - Illinois' lowest-paid workers could see bigger paychecks this summer under legislation approved Wednesday by the state Senate. The measure would increase the state minimum wage to $7.50 an hour, a dollar more than it is now.

The minimum wage also would increase every year to account for inflation.

The proposal, which would go into effect July 1, now moves to the House, where it faces an uncertain future. House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, has expressed concern because a similar push is under way at the federal level.

The 33-21 vote in the Senate was the highlight of a legislative day that saw no formal action taken on a plan to extend a freeze on electric rates, which are set to rise on Jan. 1. Lawmakers are scheduled to be in session for four more days this month.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich hailed the Senate vote.

"So increasing the minimum wage means helping nearly 1 million people keep up with the cost of living, and it means making it a little easier for them to get by," he said in a statement.

Opponents said raising the minimum wage should be a national issue so it is consistent between states.

"We shouldn't be putting our business climate in jeopardy with the surrounding states when we increase the cost of doing business," said Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, R-Greenville.

State Sen. Brad Burzynski, R-Clare, said Illinois could put itself at a competitive disadvantage with other states when it comes to luring businesses to the state.

"We want to have a business climate where we can grow jobs," Burzynski said.

State Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa, said the move will drive customers across the border to Indiana.

"It's not that hard to drive across the border into another state, and people will do that," Rutherford said.

The measure also would eliminate the ability of businesses to pay teenagers less than the minimum required for others. Although supporters of the legislation maintained teenagers supplement their parents' income, Rutherford said small businesses and local governments, such as park districts, could be hurt by the proposed requirements.

State Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon, said, "Wage increases should be determined by the employer and not by the government when someone is working for a private entity."

State Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, questioned the governor's motivation.

"He wants to be the first governor in the nation not only to raise it twice but to elevate it to the level he's elevated it. He's doing that at the expense of Illinois jobs," Brady said.

Among Pantagraph area senators, none voted for the measure. Voting against it were: Brady; Rutherford; Larry Bomke, R-Springfield; Gary Dahl, D-Granville; and Dale Risinger, R-Peoria.

The legislation is Senate Bill 1275.