John,
In 2025, 23 states and 65 localities will raise their minimum wages, with Illinois, Delaware, and Rhode Island joining the $15-per-hour club. Meanwhile, states like California and New Jersey are leading the charge, pushing wages above $17 for certain workers, including in the fast-food industry. In King County, Washington, workers will see their pay rise to $20.29 an hour. These increases reflect the growing recognition that workers need more than just the bare minimum to survive in today’s economy.
A Boost for Workers, Families, and Local Economies
Raising the minimum wage stimulates the economy. With more disposable income, workers spend more, which in turn boosts local economies and supports small businesses. In areas like California, where fast food workers are earning $20 an hour, workers are able to cover their living expenses and still have money left over to invest in their children’s education or save for the future. This ripple effect benefits everyone.
Higher wages also improve overall health and productivity. With fewer workers stressed over finances, absenteeism due to illness drops, and productivity rises. Better wages mean better access to healthcare, fewer sick days, and a better quality of life for families.
The Political Landscape and Challenges
While many states are forging ahead with wage hikes, the federal government has been slow to act. The federal minimum wage has been stagnant at $7.25 per hour since 2009, largely due to opposition from Republican lawmakers. However, states like Missouri and Alaska—traditionally conservative—have passed initiatives to raise wages to $15, signaling that this issue has transcended party lines.
Critics argue that wage increases lead to higher prices and job losses, particularly in service industries like restaurants. However, studies from the University of California, Berkeley, and the National Bureau of Economic Research have shown that job losses are minimal, and wage increases have had little impact on overall inflation. The Congressional Budget Office concluded that raising the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour would lift 900,000 people out of poverty, and would result in minimal job losses.
The Road Ahead
The momentum behind raising the minimum wage is reshaping the economic landscape. As more states and localities push for higher pay floors, millions of workers are being lifted into a more secure financial position. These increases are not just about survival—they are about empowerment. Workers are able to provide for their families, invest in their futures, and contribute to local economies in meaningful ways.
But there’s still more work to be done, especially at the federal level. As more states and cities continue to raise wages, the future of work in America is being rewritten. And with it, the path to the middle class is becoming clearer for more Americans than ever before. It’s time to raise wages, raise standards, and raise expectations for what’s possib
le.
