By Kevin Hardy
Stateline, June 26, 2025. Also Yahoo News, Alaska Beacon, Nebraska Examiner, West Virginia News, Norfolk Daily News (NE), KQKX-FM (Norfolk, NE), more
The minimum wage will increase in 15 states and cities in July, though lawmakers in other states have worked to slow down wage hikes.
Wage floor increases beginning July 1 in Alaska, Oregon and Washington, D.C., will benefit more than 880,000 workers ... according to an analysis by the Economic Policy Institute ... Another dozen cities will see minimum wage increases this summer, including Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Business for a Fair Minimum Wage, a national network of business owners and executives, said in a Thursday news release that increased minimum wages are good for employees and businesses alike.
Steven Dyme, CEO of Flowers for Dreams, said higher base wages encourage low-wage workers to spend more locally. The flower store has locations in Chicago, Detroit and Milwaukee.
“Building our business with living wages has ensured the best floral talent, a product quality that’s truly cared for, and a trusting customer base,” he said in the news release.