Huntsman understands that proposals to boost the minimum wage or create a living wage are not generally popular with his fellow Republicans, but he expects the task force to come up with a plan by year's end so he can make a pitch to lawmakers before the 2006 legislative session.

"Even though I'm a good Republican, I'm a little concerned that, during the course of 11 years, we've seen no adjustment in the minimum wage," Huntsman said during his monthly KUED TV news conference.

Utah's minimum wage matches the federal minimum of $5.15 per hour. Congress actually last raised the minimum 40 cents from $4.75 in 1997, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

At a meeting with living-wage proponents Friday, the governor asked Pamela Atkinson to spearhead the study.

Atkinson, an advocate for the homeless who worked on Huntsman's transition team, is now developing a proposal that will include a list of possible solutions.

She wants representatives from the Legislature, business community and nonprofit groups to join the task force.

"We have people who work two jobs and don't have benefits," she said. "We would like to see some of this change."

Senate President John Valentine would support an increase in the minimum wage, as long as it wouldn't hurt the state's ability to compete. But a living wage is just too much, he said.

Valentine believes going to a living wage, which many in the Salt Lake area estimate needs to be above $9 an hour, would severely harm businesses.

Sens. Curt Bramble and Howard Stephenson, both Republicans, say raising the minimum wage may actually hurt the poor by encouraging some companies to leave the state.

That argument doesn't faze George Neckel from Utah Jobs with Justice, who said the state should not be trying to attract or keep companies that pay "poverty wages."

Neckel said he was "impressed" with Huntsman's knowledge of wage issues and encouraged by "his sincere desire" to address this issue.

Karen Crompton from Utah Children views the meeting and the task force as important starting points.

"Do I think we are going to have a living wage next year? No," she said. "But at least the discussion can move forward."

mcanham@sltrib.com