Three States and Washington D.C. Hike Minimum Wage

More state minimum wage increases take effect today, which is good news for many American workers who continue to struggle financially, especially since the pandemic began.

Today, these new minimum pay rates go into effect in Illinois, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington D.C.:

• Illinois: From US$9.25 to $10 per hour
• Nevada: From $7.25 to $9 per hour ($8 if employees have health care)
• Oregon: From $11.25$ to 12 per hour ($11.50 for rural counties)
• Washington D.C.: From $14 to $15 per hour.

According to USA Today, 18 municipalities—including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Minneapolis—and three counties will also increase minimum wage today.

In all, 24 states and 48 cities and counties have raised or will raise their minimum wages in 2020. However, workers in 19 states still earn the federal minimum wage of $7.25.

Two states—Georgia and Wyoming—have a minimum wage below the federal minimum wage. Most minimum wage workers in these states are paid the federal wage due to the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Connecticut’s minimum wage increase from $11 to $12 will take effect on September 1.