hourly workers

The cost of living increases every year. Those who are surviving on a minimum wage often need to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet. There's been ongoing political debate on the federal and state levels about raising the minimum wage. Without a move from Congress to raise the minimum wage on a federal level, states and cities have taken on the minimum wage conundrum locally, many issuing raises come 2017. Good news for those in need of more money for their families.

21 states will see a wage hike come the New Year, much to the delight of workers who could certainly use the money for living expenses. Some minimum wage boosts will just come to a few cents per hour, but other, larger jumps will add up to $2 per hour to people's wages.

Most of these 21 state increases will go into effect come January 1, 2017, some not until July, and New York will get a head start with the increase beginning on New Year's Eve, 2016. That's one great way to ring in the New Year!

Arizona, Maine, and three cities in Silicon Valley will see the biggest raises, percentage wise. And Colorado and Washington, along with Arizona and Maine plan for increases up to 60% within the next few years.

Is your state issuing a new minimum wage? Here are the states who have planned increases and their new minimum wages come the hikes:

Alaska – $9.80
Arizona – $10.00
Arkansas – $8.50
California – $10.00 for small employers; 10.50 for large employers
Colorado – $9.30
Connecticut – $10.10
Florida – $8.10
Hawaii – $9.25
Maine – $9.00
Maryland – $9.25 (as of July)
Massachusetts – $11.00
Michigan – $8.90
Missouri – $7.70
Montana – $8.15
New Jersey – $8.44
New York – Varies across state from $9.70 to $11 (as of 12/31/16)*
Ohio – $8.15
Oregon – $10.25 (as of July)
South Dakota – $8.65
Vermont – $10.00
Washington – $11.00

*The basic minimum wage is $9.70 in most of the state. It is higher for the fast food industry; Long Island; Westchester County; and large and small employers in New York City.

Seattle is the city with the highest planned increase of all, moving to $15 per hour, answering Fight for 15's call. What's a little rain when the payout is fairer for minimum wage earners?

For more info on specific cities and a map for planned increases, visit HR Daily Advisor.

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