DFL Gov. Mark Dayton will usher in a new era of wage hikes for Minnesota's lowest paid on Monday.

The measure will, over time, raise the minimum wage from one of the nation's lowest to one of its highest.

Right now, the state's minimum for most employers is $6.15 an hour. With the new law, it will be $9.50 an hour by 2016.

"The governor is looking forward to signing a bill into law that will improve the lives of over 300,000 Minnesotans," Matt Swenson, Dayton's spokesman, said.

Dayton will sign the measure into law Monday at 2:30 p.m. at the Capitol. Advocates who have pushed Democrats to increase the wage floor for two years are expected to crowd into the rotunda for the event.

Photo: A February rally backing the minimum wage hike//Associated Press