New Hampshire is one of 20 states that do not have a state minimum wage, and thus default to the federal minimum of $7.25/hour - a number hasn't changed in over 16 years.

Of those 20 states, NH has the highest cost of living, and (along with PA) are the only states in the northeastern U.S. with no state-level minimum wage. Rep. Kathy Staub (D-Manchester) is the lead sponsor of a bill (HB1484) that's hoping to do something about this.

The bill would create a $12/hr. minimum wage, gradually increasing to $17/hr. over the next several years. With the GOP having solid majorities in both the House and Senate, as well as Gov. Kelly Ayotte, the effort faces long odds in the short term, but Staub has worked on this issue for years in office and as an advocate, and she came armed with facts and arguments for this episode.

We discussed everything from the politics of building bipartisan support for a strong minimum wage, to a series of policies supported by NH and national Republicans having the effect of widening the income and wealth gap.