NPR

On New Year's Day, Many Low-Wage Workers Will Celebrate With A Raise

The federal minimum wage is stuck at $7.25 per hour. But many states have pushed wage floors higher over the years. Now, 18 states and 20 localities will raise their minimum wage on Jan. 1.
Protesters rally outside a restaurant in St. Louis on Feb. 13. The service industry employs the largest percentage of minimum wage workers.

As midnight strikes on New Year's Eve, many minimum wage workers will have an extra reason to celebrate: They'll be getting a raise.

In 18 states and 20 localities, lawmakers are forcing up the minimum wage on Jan. 1.

For years, a large number of state and local governments have been driving up an hour since 2009.

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