This post was written by Hatchet reporter Laura Porter

D.C.’s months-long battle over the minimum wage ended Tuesday, with the D.C. Council approving a hike to $11.50 within three years.

The wage hike, which has been championed by student groups like the Progressive Student Union, will make D.C.’s hourly wage rate the highest in the country.

The Council’s decision, which was unanimous, follows the decision by two nearby Maryland counties to increase the minimum wage to $11.50 by 2017. The bill was signed into law in Prince George’s County on Tuesday.

Mayor Vincent Gray is expected to sign off on the bill, though he previously only voiced support for an increase up to $10, according to a Washington City Paper report .

This story was updated Dec. 17 at 7:58 p.m. to reflect the following correction:
A previous headline incorrectly stated that the law would give D.C. the highest minimum wage in the country. SeaTac, Wash. actually raised its minimum raise to $15 an hour recently.