CONCORD - Providing assistance to New Hampshire's working families, Gov. John Lynch today signed a law increasing New Hampshire's minimum wage.

"Many of our families are working hard just to get by. They are struggling to pay for gas, rent, childcare and groceries. The cost of all these things has increased significantly in the last 10, but New Hampshire's minimum wage has not," Gov. Lynch said. "Today, we are going to change that and provide relief to New Hampshire's working families."

The legislation, House Bill 514, raises New Hampshire's minimum wage in increments from the current $5.15 an hour to $6.50 on Sept. 1, and then to $7.25 next year.

The legislation received strong bi-partisan support in the House and Senate.

Prior to the bill's passage, New Hampshire had been the only state in the Northeast whose minimum wage rate was just $5.15 an hour.

The legislation was sponsored by Reps. Marjorie Smith, Ed Butler and Rip Holden; and Sens. Martha Fuller Clark, Peter Burling, Maggie Hassan and David Gottesman.

Gov. John Lynch receives framed copy of new minimum wage poster from state Labor Commissioner George Copadis.