There’s a hearing in state Senate committee this afternoon (1pm) on a controversial bill to override Minneapolis and Saint Paul’s new paid sick leave ordinances. The bill would also prohibit cities from authorizing a higher minimum wage than specified in state law — a move which is being considered in the City of Lakes. Backers of the proposed legislation argue, with over 800 cities in Minnesota it could turn into an unmanageable patchwork of regulations unless there’s a uniform statewide standard. Opponents say the bill will take away earned sick leave from over 150-thousand Minnesotans, and prevent people from making a living wage. A companion bill cleared a committee in the Minnesota House last week.