The Louisiana Senate passed SB 700 by a vote of 20-18. SB 700 would set a state-wide minimum wage of $6.15 or $1.00 higher than the existing federal minimum wage. As written, SB 700 has several exceptions. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. According to a story in the Baton Rouge daily, The Advocate, if SB 700 passes the House, Louisiana would join eighteen other states that have a minimum wage higher than the federal minimum wage.