Topeka ? An increase in the state minimum wage, which is a national low in Kansas at $2.65 per hour, moved a step closer to the federal minimum wage level on Wednesday.

The House voted 104-21 for a bill that will have the state minimum wage track the federal minimum wage starting Jan. 1, 2010. The federal minimum wage will be $7.25 per hour by then.

The House action sends the measure back to the Senate for consideration.

The Senate already has approved increasing the state minimum wage to the federal level, but under the House bill, the state wage would continue to increase as the federal minimum increased.

Supporters of the bill say it will help about 20,000 Kansans who work for employers who are not engaged in interstate commerce and therefore not subject to the federal minimum wage.

Of the 45 states that have a state minimum wage, Kansas’ wage is the lowest and hasn’t been increased in more than two decades.

Business groups have opposed an increase in the state minimum wage.

They received support during debate from several lawmakers who said businesses were struggling during the current recession.

“This is a terrible time to be doing this,” said state Rep. Arlen Siegfreid, R-Olathe.

State Rep. Mike Kiegerl, R-Olathe, said the move will result in inflation and layoffs.

But supporters have said the low level of the state minimum wage is a national embarrassment and hurts Kansas families.