Minimum wage increases in several states and localities helped boost pay a small amount in February at small businesses, according to payroll company Paychex.

Back in 1938, the Fair Labor Standards Act led to the first minimum wage of $0.25 per hour. Over time, the federal minimum wage has obviously increased — but it hasn't always kept pace with inflation.

On Tuesday, state Democrats introduced a bill that would raise Wisconsin's minimum wage from $7.25 per hour to $15 per hour.

A $25 per hour minimum wage? The nation's highest rate could be in Maryland, if a new bill passes. Here's what we know.