AUGUSTA — The Maine Senate voted 18-17 today to increase the state minimum wage from $7 to $7.50 over a two-year period.

The measure, which is expected to be taken up in the House later today, still needs more House and Senate votes before it becomes final.

During Senate debate, Sen. Dana Dow, R-Waldoboro, said the state needs to do more to help struggling families than increase the minimum wage.

“I’m not going to vote for policies that are a Band-Aid on a gaping wound,” he said.

But Sen. Ethan Strimling, D-Portland, said the 25 cent an hour initial raise will mean an extra $500 a year for women and families.

“When you raise the minimum wage, you raise people out of poverty,” he said.