Latest on the new minimum wage
The latest on the new minimum wage in the United States is that it has been increased to $7.25 per hour, effective July 24, 2009. This increase was part of the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007, which was signed into law by President George W. Bush.
However, it's worth noting that some states and cities have implemented higher minimum wages than the federal minimum wage. For example:
- California: $15.00 per hour (effective January 1, 2022)
- New York: $15.00 per hour (effective December 31, 2021)
- Massachusetts: $15.00 per hour (effective January 1, 2022)
- Washington, D.C.: $15.00 per hour (effective July 1, 2021)
- Seattle, Washington: $16.39 per hour (effective January 1, 2022)
Additionally, some cities and states have implemented a "tipped minimum wage" for certain workers, such as servers and bartenders, which is lower than the regular minimum wage. For example:
- New York City: $12.50 per hour (effective December 31, 2021) for tipped workers
- California: $13.00 per hour (effective January 1, 2022) for tipped workers
It's also worth noting that some states and cities have implemented automatic cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to their minimum wages, which means that the minimum wage will increase annually to keep pace with inflation. For example:
- California: The minimum wage will increase annually by 3.5% or the rate of inflation, whichever is higher, starting in 2022.
- Massachusetts: The minimum wage will increase annually by 3.5% or the rate of inflation, whichever is higher, starting in 2022.
It's always a good idea to check with your state or local government for the most up-to-date information on minimum wage laws and regulations.