HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut lawmakers are considering whether to increase the state's $10.10 an hour minimum wage to $15 per hour.

The Labor Committee heard testimony Thursday on legislation increasing the minimum hourly wage to $15 by 2023 or by 2024, which Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont has proposed. Each proposal seeks future increases based on national indexes.

Lawmakers last voted to increase the state's minimum wage to $10.10 an hour five years ago. The wage was gradually increased to $10.10 by 2017.

Democratic Sen. Julie Kushner of Danbury says at the time it was the highest in the nation, but now Connecticut lags behind its neighboring states.

Business owners are balking at the idea. George Frantzis, co-owner of Quassy Amusement and Waterpark in Middlebury says each 25-cent increase costs him $26,000.