Many low-income workers have just received a pay raise, as more than a dozen states and cities have increased their minimum wages.
The Oregon minimum wage has increased by 70 cents per hour to $14.20, effective July 1, while Nevada raised its minimum wage by 75 cents to $11.25. Washington, DC, increased its minimum wage by 90 cents to $17.
In Connecticut, the minimum wage per hour rose to $15 on June 1.
Additionally, 15 cities and counties, primarily in California, raised their minimum wages per hour on July 1. These include the city of Los Angeles, where the minimum wage jumped 74 cents to $16.78; San Francisco and Berkeley, where it rose $1.08 to $18.07; and Malibu, where it increased by 94 cents to $16.90 per hour.
Minimum wage workers in Chicago received a 40-cent raise, bringing their hourly pay to $15.80. And those in Montgomery County, Maryland, now earn $16.70 per hour, an increase of $1.05.
Florida will raise its minimum wage to $12 per hour on September 30.
Many of the increases are automatic adjustments tied to inflation. The raises are historically the largest due to higher prices.
The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 per hour since 2009. Democratic lawmakers have attempted, unsuccessfully, to raise it several times.
About 21 states use the federal minimum wage as their wage floor.
However, states and municipalities have taken action, raising their minimum wages in recent years. Connecticut is now the fourth state where the minimum wage per hour is at least $15, joining California, Washington, and Massachusetts, as well as Washington, DC.
Source: CNN