States Increasing Minimum Wage Amid Changes

In 2025, Michigan's minimum wage will increase significantly, jumping from $10.33 to $12.48 due to a recent state Supreme Court ruling that reinstated the original provisions of a 2018 ballot initiative. This ruling also phases out the tipped wage system and expands paid sick time laws. Meanwhile, Kentucky is considering legislation to raise its minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 over four years, indicating a broader trend of minimum wage increases across the country. Nearly half of U.S. states have set their minimum wages above the federal level, with 30 states and the District of Columbia adopting higher rates. Richard von Glahn from Missouri Jobs with Justice suggests that the movement towards higher wages in conservative states should prompt national discussions about raising the federal minimum wage. As states like Alaska, Florida, and Nebraska are poised to reach the $15 benchmark, this trend reflects changing attitudes towards wage policies across the political spectrum.