Minimum wage hikes in 18 states set for new year

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

The lowest wage workers in 18 states will get a boost in their paychecks starting on New Year's Day, as minimum wage hikes take effect.

Many of the wage hikes are phased-in steps toward an ultimately higher wage, the product of ballot initiatives pushed by unions and workers rights groups over the last few years.

The minimum wage in Washington state will rise to $11.50 an hour, up 50 cents and the highest statewide minimum in the nation. Over the next three years, the wage will rise to $13.50 an hour, thanks to a ballot measure approved by voters in 2016.

Mainers will see their minimum wages rise the most, from $9 an hour to $10 an hour, an 11 percent increase. Voters approved a ballot measure in 2016 that will eventually raise the wage to $12 an hour by 2020.

Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont will see their minimum wages increase by at least 50 cents an hour. Smaller increases take effect in Alaska, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, Ohio and South Dakota.

http://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/366698-minimum-wage-hikes-set-for-new-year-in-18-states?rnd=1514807684

[MuseRider]

1. Ahhh, again no Kansas.

Why would anyone come here to work? Sammy? Didn't you say all that you have done to this state would make companies flow in and partly because our wages are so low? $7.25 an hour here minimum wage. $7.25 an hour. It is not as expensive to live here as in some states but that is still NOT a living wage. I pay people who come out and help me on the farm every once in a great while $16.00 and hour because that is right to do. Jesus this state just sucks harder all the time.