The minimum wage, whether federal or state, is one of those items that is basic to payroll. Right now it is really on the move and heading upwards! Some of the upward mobility is due to previous legislation kicking in for 2015 while others are leaving it up to the voters in the November elections. A few of the increases due to previous legislation include Montana going to $8.05 per hour and Connecticut increasing to $9.00 per hour. Both are effective January 1. New York will increase to $8.75 on December 31, 2014.
Just a reminder at least 11 states tie their minimum wage to the consumer price index including Arizona, Colorado, New Jersey Ohio and Washington. These states will be announcing their rates for 2015 sometime in October or November.
Still other states are putting the matter to the voters on whether or not to increase the minimum wage. States voting this November 4th to increase the minimum wage include Alaska, Arkansas, Illinois, Nebraska, and South Dakota.
Payroll is becoming political and payroll professionals need to watch elections closely to ensure compliance.