Nineteen American states have raised or are in the process of raising the state minimum wage per hour, reaching $11.50 in some states.
Among the states offering the highest minimum wages are Massachusetts and Washington, according to the Associated Press. In Arizona, the wage jumped $1.95, from $8.05 to $10.00.
The increase is expected to benefit about 5 million low-wage workers across the country. The last time the minimum wage increased in the United States was in 2009.
In some states, the wage increase is the result of a referendum held last year, but in Alaska, Florida, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, Ohio, and South Dakota, the wage increase was based on indexing.
Unions applauded the increase, but some business organizations threatened to challenge it. In Arizona, the State Chamber of Commerce and Industry filed a lawsuit to block the increase, at least temporarily.
As usual, politicians and worker advocates argue that the wage increase will boost the economy by increasing people’s purchasing power. But some business owners say they simply cannot afford a higher wage.
The minimum wage will also increase in 22 cities and counties, including San Diego, San Jose, and Seattle. According to Forbes, the population of San Francisco will see the minimum wage grow to $15 per hour by 2018.
Below is the list of new wages in the 19 American states:
• Massachusetts: $11.00
• Vermont: $10.00
• Washington: $11.00
• California: $10.50
• Connecticut: $10.10
• Arizona: $10.00
• Vermont: $10.00
• Alaska: $9.80
• New York: $9.70
• Colorado: $9.30
• Hawaii: $9.25
• Maine: $9.00
• Michigan: $8.90
• South Dakota: $8.65
• Arkansas: $8.50
• New Jersey: $8.44
• Montana: $8.15
• Ohio: $8.15
• Florida: $8.10
• Missouri: $7.70
Source: Economic Policy Institute