According to WJLA, the D.C. Council is considering legislation introduced by council-member and mayoral candidate Vincent Orange (D-Ward 5) to implement a living wage for public employees of $11.75 an hour, a move that could add $1.3 million to the District payroll. Orange’s proposal comes straight from the top — D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams argued for the increase last October.

In related news, Maryland has put the final touches on legislation increasing the state’s minimum wage to $6.15 an hour. Virginia, though, remains stingy, paying only the federally-mandated $5.15 an hour.

This isn’t terribly exciting news, but the comments tend to be. Last time we published on this matter, there was plenty of debate to be had. We expect the same today. There are sure to be the capitalists and economists arguing that imposed wages drive business out, the heartfelt non-profit types debating that government should strive to allow workers a middle class lifestyle, and Tom Knott, who just makes a lot of noise.