In 2025, millions of low-wage earners across 21 states will see an increase in their minimum pay starting January 1st. Thirteen states are raising their minimum wage in January due to laws that index the wage to inflation, as reported by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI). Six states are increasing their minimum wage through legislation, while two states are doing so through ballot measures. According to EPI estimates, nearly 20% of the more than 9.2 million workers affected by these raises live in households below the poverty line, and almost 49% have family incomes below twice the poverty line.
Since 2009, the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour has not changed, and this rate is still in effect in 20 states. Due to inflation, this base rate has lost 30% of its purchasing power over time. Sebastian Martinez Hickey, a state economic analyst at EPI, highlighted the importance of addressing the wage stagnation, stating that tens of millions of workers are being left behind.
Nearly one-third of workers currently live in states with a $15 minimum wage, a percentage that is expected to increase to nearly half by 2027. In Ohio, the minimum wage is increasing to $10.70 from $10.45 due to an inflation adjustment. However, EPI pointed out that in no county in Ohio can a worker make less than $17.73 an hour and still maintain a modest standard of living.
In Maine, the minimum wage will rise to $14.65, increasing by 50 cents. Other states with minimum wage increases in 2025 include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, and Washington. Each state’s increase is attributed to various factors, such as inflation adjustments, legislation, or ballot measures.
Looking ahead to the new year, the minimum hourly rate is set to increase to $14.01, a 34-cent hike following adjustments for inflation. In Virginia, the minimum wage will rise from $12.00 to $12.41, also in response to inflation. Meanwhile, in Washington, the minimum wage is poised to jump to $16.66, marking an increase of 38 cents due to inflation.
In a somber note, a tribute titled “Hail and Farewell” is planned to honor those we have lost in 2024.
Dr. Leana Wen has emphasized the importance of applying the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic to the threat of bird flu, stating, “we should have learned our lesson from COVID” when it comes to testing.
On a more uplifting note, the cultural significance of Japanese mochi in bringing together communities in America has been highlighted for its ability to foster connections and shared experiences.
