Minimum Wages Raised in Ten States

 Posted on February 25, 2013 in Employment Lawyer

Ten states raised their minimum wages by 10 to 35 cents per hour in January, according to a recent article in the Chicago Tribune. Minimum wages were increased in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. The increase will boost the incomes of almost 1 million low-paid employees by $190 to $510 per year, a study shows.

The minimum wages were raised in accordance with state laws requiring yearly adjustments to keep pace with inflation. "For a low-wage worker, these increases are a vital protection against rising costs. In states without indexing, inflation slowly erodes the value of minimum wage workers' pay," said David Cooper, an analyst with the nonpartisan Economic Policy Institute.

The increases ranged from 10 to 35 cents an hour. For example, Rhode Island increased its minimum wage by 35 cents, setting the new minimum wage at $7.75. About 855,000 low-paid workers will receive direct pay increases as the new rates are higher than their previous pay. Another 140,000 employees will receive an indirect raise as pay scales are adjusted to reflect the new minimum wage.

In Illinois, the minimum wage for workers, who are 18 years or older, is $8.25 an hour. If your company pays a worker less than what the federal minimum wage laws mandate, you may be faced with penalties. In the event of a minimum wage violation, it is best to consult with a capable employment lawyer to assess your legal situation. Contact an experienced minimum wage violations attorney in Schaumburg, Illinois today.