Voters to decide whether to increase minimum wage in several states

Voters in three states will go to the polls this November to decide whether to increase their state's minimum wage. The states in question include Alaska, Missouri and California.

In Alaska, the current minimum wage is $11.73 per hour. If voters pass the measure, the minimum would gradually go up, first to $13 per hour by 2025, then to $14 in 2026 and $15 an hour by 2027. More than 30,000 Alaskans would be affected.

The president of the Alaska AFL-CIO says a higher wage will allow parents to better afford basic necessities for their families, such as health care and groceries. However, the Alaska Chamber opposes it. The organization believes the increased cost will be devastating for small businesses.

In Missouri , the minimum wage is currently $12.30 an hour. It would go up to $13.75 in January of 2025 and eventually hit $15 an hour in 2026. The group, Missourians for Health Families, says a full-time worker, who currently earns minimum wage, takes home less than $500 per week.

In California , the measure on the ballot would boost the minimum wage from $16 to $18 per hour. The time frame for implementing that increase would depend on the size of the company. Certain small businesses would have until 2026 to pay their workers more. Bigger companies would have to increase wages later this year.

In addition, residents in Massachusetts and Arizona will vote this November on wages for employees who receive tips, such as at restaurants.

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