WASHINGTON – A bill forcing Wal-Mart to pay employees more didn’t make it past the mayor’s desk, but D.C. lawmakers are now eyeing a higher minimum wage for all workers.

D.C. Councilman Tommy Wells, who is running for mayor, says a majority of the council is in agreement on that goal, and he’s confident that a minimum-wage hike will pass: “The only question is, how high does the minimum wage go and how soon?”

Wells would raise the minimum wage from $8.25 to $10.25 over the next year and a half.

Separate tax breaks would allow workers to take home more pay, and give relief to small businesses who will be paying workers more.

He expects the council to consider a bill by December or January.

WTOP’s John Aaron contributed to this report. Follow @WTOP on Twitter.