AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) A Maine legislative committee has approved a proposal designed to increase wages for apprentices.

The state’s Maine Apprenticeship Program facilitates training and education to help fill gaps in the state’s workforce. State Sen. Joe Rafferty, of Kennebunk, proposed to apply at least 75% of the program’s funding to apprenticeship programs in which the apprentices earn at least 150% of the minimum wage upon completing the apprenticeship agreement.

The Maine Legislature’s Labor and Housing Committee passed the proposal by a count of 8-5 on Monday. It will now move on to the full Legislature.