All articles tagged with #minimum wage
Almost 24 states and numerous cities are raising their minimum wages in 2026, with most reaching or exceeding $15 per hour, significantly above the federal minimum of $7.25, to help workers cope with inflation and economic challenges.
Nineteen states increased their minimum wage on January 1, affecting over 8 million workers, with Washington, D.C. leading at $17.95 per hour. Several states now have wages above $15, while twenty states still adhere to the federal minimum of $7.25 or have no set minimum wage.
Several innovative state laws are taking effect in 2026, including Hawaii's first climate change tourism tax, Utah's strict alcohol ID checks for all customers, California's sale of state-branded insulin to lower drug prices, Washington's minimum wage surpassing $17, and new patriotic license plates in Georgia supporting President Trump.
Starting January 1, 2026, Michigan will implement new laws including a 24% wholesale tax on recreational cannabis, a raise in minimum wage to $13.73, increased unemployment benefits up to $530 per week, and measures to crack down on ticket bots, along with various safety, education, and infrastructure reforms.
Nearly 20 U.S. states will raise their minimum wage in 2026, affecting about 8.3 million workers and increasing their earnings by $5 billion, with Washington and New York offering the highest wages. The changes reflect inflation adjustments and scheduled hikes, but many southern states will see no change due to lack of minimum wage laws. The federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 since 2009, losing over 30% of its value to inflation.
Michigan's minimum wage will increase from $12.48 to $13.73 in 2024, with plans to reach $15 by 2027, while tipped workers' wages will also rise, amid ongoing legal and legislative debates that have shaped these changes. The increases aim to benefit low-wage workers but pose challenges for some businesses, especially in the restaurant industry.
Michigan's minimum wage will increase to $13.73 an hour starting Jan. 1, 2026, with further increases planned through 2027 and beyond, as part of the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act, which also adjusts wages for tipped workers and minors, and ties future increases to inflation.
In 2026, workers in 19 states will see minimum wage increases on New Year's Day, benefiting over 8.3 million workers and marking a shift where more workers earn $15 or more per hour than the federal minimum of $7.25, despite ongoing debates about the costs and job growth impacts of higher wages.
Oregon and Washington are set to increase their minimum wages in 2026, with Washington raising it to $17.13 an hour and Oregon adjusting based on inflation, both surpassing the federal minimum wage of $7.25. Experts note that while beneficial for low-income workers, these increases are unlikely to significantly impact overall affordability or wealth inequality, as only a small percentage of workers earn at or below the federal minimum.
Washington will have the highest state minimum wage in the U.S. at $17.13 in 2026, following a series of increases tied to inflation, with local cities like Seattle and Tukwila also setting high wage floors. The policy aims to support low-wage workers despite criticism about potential economic impacts.
Starting January 1, 2026, Washington state will implement new laws including a minimum wage increase to $17.13, updates to paid family leave, expanded child support guidelines, strengthened victims' rights, and changes in tax and property laws, reflecting legislative efforts to modernize and improve economic and social protections.
Starting January 1, 2026, Connecticut implements nearly two dozen new laws including a comprehensive housing bill to promote development, expanded rights for condo solar panel installations, new requirements for driver’s license applicants, a minimum wage increase to $16.94, and the issuance of special license plates honoring the Borinqueneers, reflecting broad changes across housing, transportation, and economic policies.
California's minimum wage will rise to $16.90 in 2026, with local jurisdictions like Los Angeles debating further increases, including a proposed $30 minimum wage for hotel and airport workers by 2028, amid ongoing industry and political debates.
McDonald's criticizes the restaurant industry's tipping wage policies, supporting higher minimum wages for servers and criticizing the uneven playing field created by tip-based pay, while also promoting its new value meals amid rising fast food prices.
McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski highlights the impact of a 'two-tier economy' on consumer behavior, with higher-income customers spending freely and lower-income consumers cutting back, prompting the company to reduce prices on value meals and consider supporting a higher minimum wage. The broader economic context shows a split in consumer spending patterns, with McDonald's adapting its strategy to maintain affordability while engaging in discussions about wage policies amid legislative efforts to raise the federal minimum wage.