Catherwood LibraryILR School

As they rang in the new year, Americans in 19 states also rang in higher minimum wages. Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, South Dakota, Vermont, and Washington have all raised their minimum wages by varying amounts. The federal minimum wage of $7.25 has not been raised since 2009. According to the Economic Policy Institute, if the minimum wage kept up with productivity, it would be approximately $19. Many small businesses oppose the hikes, arguing that they cannot afford to pay their employees more than the federal minimum wage and will now have to adjust their business models.