By a nearly 3-1 margin, Michigan voters expressed support for Democratic legislation to increase the state's minimum wage from $5.15 per hour to $7.15 per hour, according to a March poll commissioned by Inside Michigan Politics.

"Raising the minimum wage is about fairness and restoring a basic standard of living to more than 460,000 people who work in some of the hardest jobs in Michigan," said House Democratic Leader Dianne Byrum. "Michigan voters recognize that. We're truly encouraged by their strong support on this issue and we'll keep fighting for Michigan's working families."

During the survey, respondents were told that the minimum wage hasn't been raised since 1997. They were also read claims by opponents who say approving the raise would "hurt our economy further."

The poll of 600 registered voters showed 70 percent of respondents support the raise to $7.15 per hour: 54 percent said they strongly support a raise, 16 percent said they "somewhat support" an increase. A higher minimum was opposed by 24 percent of respondents.

The Dems' proposal would also provide for automatic cost of living increases to the minimum wage so that "we won't have to have this fight every few years," said the Michigan AFL-CIO. Michigan Republicans, who control both houses of the state legislature, have refused to act on the minimum wage bills.