The minimum wage in Montana increased by 11 cents, from $6.15 to $6.25 per hour effective January 1, 2008
Under Initiative 151， adjustments are required to the minimum wage to be calculated before September 30 of each year based upon any increase in the U.S. City Average CPI for All Urban Consumers for All Items from August of the preceding year to August of the year in which the calculation is made. Based on an increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 1.97% from August 2006 to August 2007, the calculation used for determining the minimum wage for 2008 is $6.15 X .0197 -- $0.1211, rounded to $0.10.
Tipped employees must be paid the full minimum wage of $6.25 per hour in Montana. Businesses with revenues less than $110,000 per year in sales can still pay employees $4.00 per hour.
On July 24, 2008 the federal minimum wage will increase by 70 cents from $5.85 to $6.55 per hour, witch is higher than 2008 Montana minimum wage of $6.25 so the state minimum wage will also increase to $6.55 per hour then.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Nevada’s Minimum Wage will increase to $7.03 per hour in 2008
On July 1, 2008, 70 cents (the difference between the old and new federal minimum wage) will be added to both Nevada minimum wages. This will cause the lower Nevada wage to rise to $6.00 (with a plan) and $7.03 (without a plan).
On July 1, 2009, the minimum wage in the state of Nevada will increase again, to $6.70 (with plan) and $7.73 (without plan).
Nevada’s minimum wages will continue to increase annually. Any adjustment to the state minimum wages will take effect on July 1 of that year.
Minimum wage of Nevada, along with that of Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, Montana, and Ohio will be adjusted by inflation annually, and in Nevada, the minimum must also remain at least $1 above the federal rate.
Nevada is also one of the seven states (along with Alaska, California, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon and Washington) that require employers to pay tip workers the same minimum wage as other workers.
On July 1, 2009, the minimum wage in the state of Nevada will increase again, to $6.70 (with plan) and $7.73 (without plan).
Nevada’s minimum wages will continue to increase annually. Any adjustment to the state minimum wages will take effect on July 1 of that year.
Minimum wage of Nevada, along with that of Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, Montana, and Ohio will be adjusted by inflation annually, and in Nevada, the minimum must also remain at least $1 above the federal rate.
Nevada is also one of the seven states (along with Alaska, California, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon and Washington) that require employers to pay tip workers the same minimum wage as other workers.
New Hampshire’s Minimum Wage will increase to $7.25 in 2008
The minimum wage in New Hampshire will increase to $7.25 per hour on September 1, 2008.
On September 1, 2007, the minimum wage in the state of New Hampshire increased form the original $5.85 per hour to $6.50 per hour after a decade without a raise. But that was only the first step of the minimum wage increase plan in that state according to the law signed by the New Hampshire’s Governor John Lynch on May 3, which marked the first New Hampshire minimum wage increase since 1997. The other step is to increase the minimum wage for many of the state's hourly workers from $6.50 per hour to $7.25 per hour on September 1,2008. The minimum wage is automatically replaced with the Federal minimum wage rate if it is higher than the State minimum wage rate.
On September 1, 2007, the minimum wage in the state of New Hampshire increased form the original $5.85 per hour to $6.50 per hour after a decade without a raise. But that was only the first step of the minimum wage increase plan in that state according to the law signed by the New Hampshire’s Governor John Lynch on May 3, which marked the first New Hampshire minimum wage increase since 1997. The other step is to increase the minimum wage for many of the state's hourly workers from $6.50 per hour to $7.25 per hour on September 1,2008. The minimum wage is automatically replaced with the Federal minimum wage rate if it is higher than the State minimum wage rate.
Massachusetts’ Minimum Wage Increased To $8.00 Per Hour In 2008
The state of Massachusetts has increased its minimum wage from $7.50 per hour to $8.00 per hour, 50 cents’ increases per hour, effective January 1, 2008.
With this increase, Massachusetts has become the state of the second highest minimum wage in the country in 2008, following the state of Washington which minimum wage is $8.07 per hour.
The new minimum wage does not apply to all employees. For those tipped employees, they could receive the minimum wage of $2.63 per hour; and for agricultural workers, $1.60 per hour’s minimum wage could be paid.
However, according to the Massachusetts Legislature, further minimum wage increases will be necessary in the near future for the annual cost of living adjustments because of the real purchasing power.
With this increase, Massachusetts has become the state of the second highest minimum wage in the country in 2008, following the state of Washington which minimum wage is $8.07 per hour.
The new minimum wage does not apply to all employees. For those tipped employees, they could receive the minimum wage of $2.63 per hour; and for agricultural workers, $1.60 per hour’s minimum wage could be paid.
However, according to the Massachusetts Legislature, further minimum wage increases will be necessary in the near future for the annual cost of living adjustments because of the real purchasing power.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Ohio’s Minimum Wage Increased to $7 Per Hour
The Ohio Department of Commerce had calculated the inflation adjusted Ohio minimum wage for 2008. Beginning on January 1, 2008, the Ohio’s minimum wage for non-tipped employees increased from $6.85 by 2 percent, which equals to 15 cents, to $7 per hour and from $3.43 per hour to $3.50 per hour for tipped employees.
The constitutional amendment passed by voters in November 2006 states that Ohio’s minimum wage shall increase on January 1 of each year by the rate of inflation. The increase is tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for urban wage earners and clerical workers for the prior 12-month period as of September 30.
The increased minimum wage will apply to employers who gross more than $255,000 per year. Currently, Ohio’s minimum wage applies to employers who gross over $250,000 per year.
The constitutional amendment passed by voters in November 2006 states that Ohio’s minimum wage shall increase on January 1 of each year by the rate of inflation. The increase is tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for urban wage earners and clerical workers for the prior 12-month period as of September 30.
The increased minimum wage will apply to employers who gross more than $255,000 per year. Currently, Ohio’s minimum wage applies to employers who gross over $250,000 per year.
New Mexico’s Minimum Wage Has Increased To $6.5 Per Hour
On January 1, 2008 the New Mexico state minimum wage has increased by 65 cents from $5.85 per hour to $6.50 per hour, which will increase again to $7.50 an hour on January 1, 2009. This is the second increase of minimum wage within 6 months in New Mexico. On July 24, 2007, the state minimum wage increased with the federal rate, from $5.15 per hour to $5.85 per hour. Thus, the total increase in New Mexico will reach $1.35 per hour, which is the largest in any state in 2008.
However, the increase of minimum wage does not apply to agricultural employees and tipped employees. Although the federal rate for tipped employees is $2.13 per hour and that in other states is somewhere from $2.23 to $8.07 per hour, the minimum wage for tipped employees in New Mexico remains one of the lowest rates in the nation, that is just $2.125 per hour.
However, the increase of minimum wage does not apply to agricultural employees and tipped employees. Although the federal rate for tipped employees is $2.13 per hour and that in other states is somewhere from $2.23 to $8.07 per hour, the minimum wage for tipped employees in New Mexico remains one of the lowest rates in the nation, that is just $2.125 per hour.
Vermont's minimum wage has increased to $7.68 per hour
The minimum wage in Vermont has increased to $7.68 per hour from $7.53 per hour on January 1, 2008. The Vermont minimum wage law is set to increase every year at the same rate as the August Consumer Price Index (CPI)。
On January 1, 2008 the state minimum wage for tipped employees (who are working in the hotel, motel, tourist place and restaurant industry and can receive tips) has also increased, from $3.65 to $3.72 per hour – an increase of 7 cents. But if the tipped employees’ total earnings is less than $7.68 an hour, their employers must make up the difference between $3.72 per hour and $7.68 per hour in the tips they get from their customers.
On January 1, 2008 the state minimum wage for tipped employees (who are working in the hotel, motel, tourist place and restaurant industry and can receive tips) has also increased, from $3.65 to $3.72 per hour – an increase of 7 cents. But if the tipped employees’ total earnings is less than $7.68 an hour, their employers must make up the difference between $3.72 per hour and $7.68 per hour in the tips they get from their customers.
Washington’s minimum wage has increased to $8.07 per hour
Washington’s hourly minimum wage has increased from $7.93 to $8.07, effective January 1st, 2008. According to the law, the state minimum wage must be adjusted each year complying with the change in the federal Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) during the 12 months ending each August 31.
The CPI-W is a national index covering the cost of goods and services needed for day-to-day living. This year, it increased 1.8 percent in the period and led to a 14-cent increase in next year's minimum wage, which equals to an increase from current $7.93 per hour to $8.07 per hour.
The CPI-W is a national index covering the cost of goods and services needed for day-to-day living. This year, it increased 1.8 percent in the period and led to a 14-cent increase in next year's minimum wage, which equals to an increase from current $7.93 per hour to $8.07 per hour.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Iowa’s Minimum Wage Increased to $7.25 Per Hour in 2008
The state of Iowa has increased their minimum wage from $6.20 per hour to $7.25 per hour effective January 1, 2008.
The increase in the state minimum wage was approved by the Iowa Legislature and signed by Gov. Chet Culver last January.
Iowa’s lowest paid workers has gotten an increase of $2.10 per hour in the past year. For the tipped wait workers, their pay also increased from $1.26 an hour to $4.35 an hour with both pay increases last year.
Nearly 18 percent Iowans, mainly food service and retail workers, will benefit from the increase. Tom Shockley, one of the local businessman, said the biggest local impact will be to young workers 14 to 16 years old.
The increase in the state minimum wage was approved by the Iowa Legislature and signed by Gov. Chet Culver last January.
Iowa’s lowest paid workers has gotten an increase of $2.10 per hour in the past year. For the tipped wait workers, their pay also increased from $1.26 an hour to $4.35 an hour with both pay increases last year.
Nearly 18 percent Iowans, mainly food service and retail workers, will benefit from the increase. Tom Shockley, one of the local businessman, said the biggest local impact will be to young workers 14 to 16 years old.
Strive For Increase In Alaska’s Minimum Wage
At the Capitol of Alaska, some lawmakers are striving for increasing the minimum wage of the workers of the lowest pay.
The federal government will increase the federal minimum wage from $6.55 per hour to $7.25 per hour nationwide effectively July 24, 2009. Juneau’s lone senator, Kim Elton, sponsored the bill of raising the minimum wage to which is higher than the federal minimum wage: $8 or an hour minimum wage for keeping pace with the inflation.
Elton said there are about 14,000 Alaskan workers earning a minimum wage. “That is especially difficult because Juneau is one of the more expensive cities in Alaska, so the challenges they face are great,” he said.
The federal government will increase the federal minimum wage from $6.55 per hour to $7.25 per hour nationwide effectively July 24, 2009. Juneau’s lone senator, Kim Elton, sponsored the bill of raising the minimum wage to which is higher than the federal minimum wage: $8 or an hour minimum wage for keeping pace with the inflation.
Elton said there are about 14,000 Alaskan workers earning a minimum wage. “That is especially difficult because Juneau is one of the more expensive cities in Alaska, so the challenges they face are great,” he said.
Elton said he understood the concerns of the business community, but still thought the wage increase was necessary.
Florida’s Minimum Wage Increased to $6.79 Per Hour In 2008
The state of Florida has increased their minimum wage from $6.67 per hour to $6.79 per hour effective January 1, 2008. Florida’s lowest paid workers could get a slight increase of 12 cents per hour.
For a full-time job worker, the hourly 12 cents minimum wage increase means an increase of 1.8 percent annually over last year. For tipped employees, like restaurant servers, the minimum wage is also increased 12 cents and to the current $3.77 per hour.
The new state minimum wage increases in accordance with the consumer price. And the minimum wage only applies to those workers who are entitled to receive the federal minimum wage under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
New Jersey’s Minimum Wage Should Be Increased to $8.25 Per Hour
The state of New Jersey’s current minimum wage is $7.15 per hour and it should be increased to $8.25 per hour. The minimum wage will increase annually in accordance with the increase in the cost of living and keep pace with inflation, a state commission has recommended.
The minimum wage increase would need the approval of the Legislature and Gov. Jon S. Corzine. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the minimum wage in New Jersey would be the highest in the nation.
New Jersey would be the 11th state to increase the minimum wage based on inflation rates. The states, such as Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Vermont and Washington, already have such a policy.
Florida’s Consumer Confidence Drops
The consumer confidence drops in December to the lowest level of 74 in more than five years in Florida. The jobs increased slowly in the state of Florida.
The economic report released by the state Agency for Workforce Innovation shows that the ranks of the unemployed statewide have increased 33.8% since last year, that’s 100,000. About one third of the unemployed spread in West Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
The state unemployment rate was 4.3 percent last month, 0.1 percent higher than October. Florida has a lower jobless rate than the nation, which had a 4.7 percent unemployment rate in November. And now, umemployment is beginning to spread to banks, mortagage companies and other financial services.
The economic report released by the state Agency for Workforce Innovation shows that the ranks of the unemployed statewide have increased 33.8% since last year, that’s 100,000. About one third of the unemployed spread in West Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
The state unemployment rate was 4.3 percent last month, 0.1 percent higher than October. Florida has a lower jobless rate than the nation, which had a 4.7 percent unemployment rate in November. And now, umemployment is beginning to spread to banks, mortagage companies and other financial services.
California’s Minimum Wage Has Increased to $8.00 Per Hour in 2008
The state of California has increased their minimum wage from $7.50 per hour to $8.00 per hour effective January 1, 2008. California has been the highest state minimum wage in the nation apart from the state of Massachusetts.
"This wage increase will benefit more than 1.4 million hard-working Californians. With this increase, we are demonstrating the value we attach to the work these employees provide to our state and its dynamic economy," said Department of Industrial Relations Director John Duncan.
The minimum wage increase also affects the hourly base rate of pay for workers in the computer software information technology industries. The hourly base rate effective Jan. 1, 2008 will be $36.
Colorado’s Minimum Wage Increased to $7.02 Per Hour in 2008
The state of Colorado has increased their minimum wage from $6.85 per hour to $7.02 per hour, effective January 1, 2008. The minimum wage will adjust in accordance with the increase of employees’ minimum wage and follow this, effective January 1, 2009. The state Department of Labor and Employment released the news.
In addition, the minimum wage for tipped employees, such as waiters in restaurants, has also increased from the wage of $3.83 per hour to $4 per hour.
"We're just giving a heads-up to businesses that the minimum wage will be going up. Many of them may not realize that minimum wage, which rose to $6.85 from $5.15 on Jan. 1, 2007, will be going up again in 2008," said Bill Thoennes, spokesman for the state labor department.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)