By Lisa Jennings
Restaurant Business, Dec. 22, 2025. Also American Recruiters
With the new year comes a round of minimum wage increases. Nineteen states will see a wage bump on Jan. 1, 2026. ...
A network of business owners known as Business for a Fair Minimum Wage, however, welcomes the wage hikes, saying putting more money in the pockets of consumers will increase spending, strengthen local economies and reduce employee turnover.
“Wage increases are a vital part of the solution to the affordability crisis,” said Holly Sklar, CEO of Business for a Fair Minimum Wage, in a statement. “It’s great news that 19 states are raising the minimum wage on Jan. 1 and more follow later in the year. The cost of food, housing and other necessities has risen sharply. Minimum wage increases boost the economy as workers are better able to afford necessities and spend more at local businesses.”