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Minimum Wage To Rise In 13 States On January 1, 2014

12/31/13

By: Brad Adler 
While you are munching on leftovers and watching bowl games, business owners should not forget that the minimum wage will rise in 13 states starting January 1, 2014.  Most states are increasing minimum wage by just a few cents in 2014, but there are some that are increasing minimum wage more significantly.  For instance, earlier this year, New Jersey residents voted to raise the state’s minimum wage by $1 to $8.25.  California is set to raise its minimum wage to $9 in July, 2014.  In total, on January 1, state minimum wages will be higher than the federal requirement of $7.25 an hour in 21 states, up from 18 two years ago.  Wage increases are also set to take place at the local level, including in two counties in Maryland.
Employers also should be aware that the White House (and congressional Democrats) is supporting legislation that would raise the federal minimum wage to $10.10 an hour by 2015.  In fact, President Obama apparently is planning a series of speeches across the country focused on improving minimum wages for workers.  Of course, if you have business operations in any state (or locale) where the minimum wage is higher than the federal minimum wage, you are required to pay the higher wage.