By 2016, California lawmakers report that the hourly wage could reach $10. The hourly wage would jump to $9 by July 2014. This would mean a 25% raise, and would make California one of the states with the highest paid workers. State Governor Jerry Brown stated: “The minimum wage has not kept pace with rising costs. This legislation is overdue and will help families that are struggling in this harsh economy.” 2.4 million of the state’s children live with a parent who makes minimum wage, but the pay increase would mean $4,000-$20,000 more each year for those families.
Washington state is currently in the lead with a minimum wage of $9.19 per hour, while the federal minimum wage is $7.25. Protests are sparking around the country as more workers demand better pay, and President Obama has proposed setting the federal minimum wage at $9. Jack Temple, policy analyst at the National Employment Law Project added: “You’re seeing more adults, more families relying on low wage work to make ends meet. As that trend continues, the minimum wage is only going to become more important.”
