CONTACT: Blake Case
blake@emccommunications.com, (601) 832-6079

June 23, 2025 — Business owners are welcoming the minimum wage increases taking effect July 1 in Alaska, Oregon, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Montgomery County, Maryland and elsewhere. Business owners in Alaska are also welcoming the start of paid sick leave in the state. They point to increased consumer spending, lower employee turnover, and improved productivity and customer service as reasons wage increases and paid sick time benefit businesses and local economies.

Mark Robokoff, owner of AK Bark pet supply store in Anchorage, Alaska: “We are eager for July 1st, when so many of our customers’ incomes will increase substantially. Our employees already earn well above minimum wage as well as paid time off, strengthening our business and allowing them to spend more money with other local businesses. As the playing field becomes more level, Alaska businesses will see increased revenue and decreased employee turnover, which will help cover the cost of increased wages. Alaska’s communities will benefit greatly. Aside from the economic gains, this law improves the lives, security and overall state of mind of members of Alaska communities.”

Constance Palaia, owner of Motel Del Rogue, a Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year, in Grants Pass, Oregon: “We’re happy to see more people in our area get a raise as Oregon’s Standard minimum wage rate rises above $15 on July 1. We know it’s good for business. My team is like a family, and that’s because they know that we value them. We pay a $17 starting wage and don’t suffer the costly employee turnover that is so common in the hospitality industry. We have excellent customer service, which attracts new and returning guests. Plus, visitors want to stay at a place where they know that the people who work there can make a living. Everyone benefits when the minimum wage rises.”

Mike Draper, owner of Raygun clothing and design, with locations in Chicago, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska: “We welcome Chicago’s minimum wage increase because it puts more money in peoples’ pockets to shop at local businesses like ours. We already pay above minimum wage across our stores, which has been fundamental to Raygun’s growth. We’re stronger than ever thanks to the fantastic, locally responsive customer service that our team provides. Customers notice when your team is happy. It keeps them coming back to shop again in the future. We’re excited to be expanding again in coming months, beginning with a new Madison, Wisconsin location.”

Aaron Seyedian, owner of Well-Paid Maids in Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, Chicago, New York City and San Francisco: “Well Paid Maids is committed to paying living wages – not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it helps fuel the growth our business has been enjoying for years. Our employees start out between $26 and $27 per hour plus benefits, and that has led to better retention, better customer service, happier employees and happier customers. We’re excited to expand to San Francisco, and it’s just further proof that our fair wage model is successful and scalable. We welcome the July 1 increases across our Well Paid Maids footprint.”

Gina Schaefer, founder of A Few Cool Hardware Stores, with 13 Ace Hardware stores in D.C., Maryland and Virginia: “We know from experience that minimum wage increases on July 1 will be good for local workers, businesses and communities. The cost of living has gone up and so should wages. The more money that people have, the more they can afford to spend in our stores and others. Fair pay and great customer service has fueled our growth since we opened our first store in 2003. We took our investment in employees to the next level when we became employee-owned in 2021 – strengthening our business for the future.”

Steven Dyme, CEO of Flowers for Dreams, with locations in Chicago, Detroit and Milwaukee: “Minimum wage increases are a boon for local businesses. Low-wage workers are more likely to spend their extra dollars at local businesses within their neighborhood, city, or commuting zone. 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. Reviews have validated that – we were named a YELP Top 100 Local Business in the country in 2024.”

July 1 minimum wage increases include:

Alaska increases its minimum wage from $11.91 to $13 per hour, as enacted by Ballot Measure 1, passed by voters in 2024. The minimum wage increases to $14 in 2026 and to $15 in 2027. Beginning January 1, 2028, there will be annual cost of living adjustments so the minimum wage does not lose buying power. In addition, under the paid sick leave provisions of Ballot Measure 1, employees will earn one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked. Employers with fewer than 15 employees can limit usage to 40 hours per year; those with 15 or more employees can set a limit of 56 hours per year. 

Oregon increases its standard minimum wage rate from $14.70 to $15.05 per hour; the Portland metro rate from $15.95 to $16.30; and the rate for non-urban counties from $13.70 to $14.05. The standard rate is adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index, with the Portland metro rate at $1.25 above the standard rate, and the non-urban counties rate $1 below the standard rate. 

Washington, D.C. increases its minimum wage from $17.50 to $17.95 per hour. D.C.’s minimum wage is indexed annually to the cost of living. 

In addition, multiple cities and counties increase their minimum wage on July 1, including, for example:

• Chicago’s minimum wage is adjusted annually and increases to $16.60 on July 1.
• Montgomery County, Maryland increases its minimum wage to $17.65 for large employers with 51 or more employees and $16 for those with 11 to 50 employees. For smaller employers with 10 or fewer employees, it increases from $15 ( the state minimum wage floor) to $15.50. 
• For additional localities raising their minimum wage on July 1, see UC Berkeley Labor Center Inventory of US City and County Minimum Wage Ordinances

To schedule interviews with business owners supportive of these and other minimum wage increases, contact Blake Case at blake@emccommunications.com or (601) 832-6079. 

###

Business for a Fair Minimum Wage is a national network of business owners and executives and business organizations that believe fair pay makes good business sense. www.businessforafairminimumwage.org.