The news has been spreading rapidly, and starting this month, some US citizens will see their minimum wage increase. These increases will be seen in Alaska, Oregon, and the District of Columbia. According to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), these increases will affect nearly 900,000 workers. In total, it is estimated that at least 15 jurisdictions, including states, cities, and counties, will implement adjustments during this period. The federal minimum wage currently remains at $7.25.
In Alaska, for example, 19,400 employees will earn an average of $925 more per year
This increase is being implemented, among other things, to alleviate the significant impact of inflation and the rising cost of living in the country. In Alaska, for example, 19,400 employees will earn an average of $925 more per year, while in D.C., the increase is 45 cents, directly impacting 62,200 workers.
The last increase occurred in July 2009
“These minimum wage increases will bring more money to workers, helping many of them and their families make ends meet,” EPI states. “The average annual wage increase for a full-time worker as a result of these increases ranges from $420 in Oregon to $925 in Alaska.”
The last increase occurred in July 2009, and the federal reference limit has since been set at $7.25, as previously reported. According to research by the EPI, which has developed a family budget calculator, a single adult with a full-time job in the United States needs at least $17 per hour to cover all daily expenses.
Alaska: Increases $1.09 to $13.00/hour.
Oregon: Increases to $15.05/hour, with variations by region.
Washington, D.C.: Increases to $17.95/hour.
California (cities and counties):
Alameda: $17.46
Berkeley: $19.18
Emeryville: $19.90
Fremont, Los Angeles, Pasadena, San Francisco, Santa Monica, Milpitas, and more.
Illinois (Chicago): Increases from $16.20 to $16.60/hour.
Maryland (Montgomery County): Now $17.65/hour.
The Senate has already approved “big, beautiful bill”
The economic reality in the United States is so fluid that it seems like every day we wake up to a new piece of news, a proposed bill, or something new in general. Recall that House Republicans voted this week in favor of the massive package of tax and federal spending cuts, as well as increased funding for the Pentagon and border security, authorizing the submission of the bill, otherwise known as the “big, beautiful bill.” The Senate has already approved the bill.
It remains to be seen how this new regulation will affect the country when it comes into force and to what extent it will impact citizens in their daily lives. For now, Donald Trump has modified regulations in the healthcare, education, and immigration sectors—in other words, in three of the main pillars of the country’s economy. Not to mention the tariffs, which not only affect foreign countries, but American citizens are also experiencing the consequences at home. As we’ve discussed in previous articles, Nike, the sportswear giant, will see the prices of its most iconic sneakers increase as a result of the tariffs the United States has imposed on China. The Asian country is one of the main producers of the world’s largest clothing and fashion brands.
