DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Republican-controlled Iowa Legislature on Monday approved a bill that would prohibit local governments from raising minimum hourly wages above the state level, effectively cutting some existing worker wages — an unusual result compared to other so-called pre-emption laws around the country. The legislation would ban cities and counties from adopting or enforcing ordinances that raise the minimum hourly wage above the state and federal level of $7.25. Republicans contend the legislation will ensure Iowa avoids a patchwork of rules regarding its minimum wage that could hurt businesses. "When arguments are made that these minimum wage increases are terrible on the economy and they bankrupt businesses, I just don't think that there's any evidence of that whatsoever," said Tom Hockensmith, a Polk County supervisor who helped pass the ordinance to increase wages. Branstad, who's preparing to step down soon to become U.S.