RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — North Carolina lawmakers will consider increasing the minimum wage this session after two bills were filed proposing higher wages. Although the state's minimum wage hasn't changed in the last 15 years, the cost of living has, which is why advocates gathered at the General Assembly Tuesday pushing lawmakers to stand behind two proposed bills. The bills would increase the state's $7.25 minimum wage for the first time since 2009. At that time, the minimum wage increased due to an increase at the federal level.  The Economic Security Act, filed under House Bill 339 and Senate Bill 326, would increase the minimum wage to $22 an hour, adjusting annually for inflation. It also eliminates the tipped minimum wage, which is currently $2.13 an hour. The second bill under consideration is the Fair Minimum Wage Act, which would increase the minimum wage to $10.00 an hour, effective Jan. 1, 2026. It would raise $2.00 per hour every year until at least 2030, making minimum wage $18.00 an hour on Jan. 1, 2030. After that, the amount would be determined annually by the Commissioner of Labor. Both bills passed on first reading in their chambers and are now referred out to committees. There are still several steps before either bill can be voted on. Lawmakers will have a number of questions to consider, including how much it would cost employers to increase wages and if consumers pay the price. ...read more read less