It’s no secret that Boston is one of the most expensive cities in the nation to live in, just as Massachusetts is one of the most expensive states. Despite a minimum wage that’s well above the federal level, it’s increasingly difficult for Mass. workers who depend on the minimum wage to keep themselves and their families afloat.

Lawmakers behind a new bill are trying to alleviate the problem, proposing a raise in the minimum wage from $6.75 to $8.25 by 2007. As always, the debate is between those friendly to workers and unions and those in favor of business interests. While it seems that helping workers earn more money can only be beneficial, many believe that an increase in the minimum wage has the opposite effect, forcing companies to raise prices and lay off employees.

It seems clear, however, that Massachusetts legislators need to do something about the extraordinary cost of living that is causing an exodus of Massachusetts residents to other states. Raising the minimum wage is the right step to take — but we need to be careful that we go about it the right way. The proposed hike of $1.50 by 2007 seems like an especially large increase in an especially short amount of time, and it may very well confirm business owners’ fears of a resulting downturn in the state economy.

Instead of $1.50, lawmakers should institute a smaller wage increase and spread it out over a longer period of time. That way, we’ll be able to accurately judge whether a wage hike can solve the current woes of Massachusetts residents, and if necessary, hike it further later on. Lawmakers have a responsibility to help every one of their constituents earn a living wage, but it would be unwise to attempt it in one fell swoop. Let’s take this one slowly, and see what is beneficial for not only Massachusetts workers, but the Massachusetts economy as a whole.