By Amanda Gokee
Boston Globe, July 24, 2025

Thursday marks 16 years since the last boost to New Hampshire’s minimum wage, which is tied to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour that has not increased since 2009. ...

But some business owners believe that’s the wrong approach, arguing that low wages depress consumer spending, ultimately harming businesses and the economy.

Rebecca Hamilton, co-owner of W.S. Badger Company in Gilsum, N.H., is among them. Her company makes mineral sunscreens and other products. Hamilton said a $7.25 minimum wage is bad for New Hampshire’s people...

By Ginger Christ
HR Dive, July 22, 2025. Also Yahoo Finance, CFO Dive.

July 24 marks 16 years since the federal minimum wage last was increased, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. ...

Some businesses, too, support raising the minimum wage. Business for a Fair Minimum Wage, a network of business owners, executives and business organizations, said a higher minimum wage would lead to increased consumer spending, lower turnover and improved productivity.

“Business owners in states still at the $7.25 minimum wage say it is depressing consumer spending and bad for business and...

Op-Ed by Holly Sklar
USA Today, July 17, 2025. Distributed by American Forum. Also in Yahoo News, Indianapolis Star, Des Moines Register, Arizona Republic, Florida Today, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Austin American Statesman, Detroit Free Press, Columbus Dispatch (OH), Cincinnati Enquirer, Colorado Springs Gazette, Reading Eagle (PA), Palm Beach Post, Norman Transcript (OK), Rutland Herald (VT), Ashland Independent (KY), The Forum (Fargo, ND), Community Newspaper Group, CNHI News, many more

When the minimum wage does not go up, it goes down in buying power. The federal minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 per hour since...

By Adam Uzialko
Business.com, July 16, 2025

Paying a “living wage” requires more than meeting state and federal minimum wage requirements. Living in certain communities is more expensive and requires people to earn more to sustain basic life necessities. As an employer, paying a living wage can feel like a burden to the bottom line, but it can be a powerful investment in your people that positively affects business outcomes. ...

“When you’re setting something like the federal minimum wage, you want to consider the averages,” said Holly Sklar, CEO of Business for a Fair...

The Kansas City Star Editorial Board, July 13, 2025

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe this past week walked back the paid sick leave protections for workers that a large majority of voters wanted in the 2024 election. Last fall, the Kansas City Star Editorial Board endorsed the initiative, called Proposition A. ...

We have reviewed our notes and interviews with workers and employers who would be affected by the outcome of the vote and scratch our heads at Kehoe’s decision. Not only should the governor stay out of what voters already called for — it doesn’t...

By Jazsmin Halliburton
KMIZ-TV (ABC 17), Columbia, July 10, 2025

Gov. Mike Kehoe has repealed certain provisions of Proposition A, by signing House Bill 567 into law. ...

Yellow Dog Bookstore owner Joe Chevalier has been in business for 12 years and has three part-time employees. He says he will continue to offer paid sick leave, but the overturn is a disappointment.

"I'm really disappointed with the Republicans in the legislature and overturning the will of the voters," Chevalier said.

However, Chevalier said the change in law puts other workers in a tough spot.

"You have to...

By Alex DeMarban
Anchorage Daily News, June 30, 2025

The minimum wage in Alaska will rise to $13 and the state’s first sick leave requirement will be enacted Tuesday when Ballot Measure 1 goes into effect. ...

A large coalition of businesses said they welcome the new requirements.

Mark Robokoff, owner of AK Bark pet supply store in Anchorage, is part of that coalition of more than 130 Alaska operators and the Alaska Black Chamber of Commerce, which backed the measure.

The state’s economy will benefit overall as more workers have more money to spend...

By Deb Belt
Patch Maryland, June 30, 2025. Also MSN

Beginning July 1 ... Hourly workers in Montgomery County will see the minimum wage increase by 50 cents an hour 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. ...

“We know from experience that minimum wage increases on July 1 will be good for local workers, businesses and communities," said Gina Schaefer, founder of A...

By Kevin Hardy
Stateline, June 26, 2025. Also Yahoo News, Alaska Beacon, Sitka Sentinel (AK), Nebraska Examiner, Omaha Daily Record, West Virginia News, Ft. Wayne (IN) Business Weekly, 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...

By Jonson Kuhn
Alaska's News Source, KTUU-TV/KYES-TV, June 25, 2025

With Alaska employees who currently earn an $11.91 minimum wage set to see an increase to $13 per hour on July 1, along with receiving required paid sick leave, business leaders statewide are divided on if the long-term impact will mean cost increases or increased consumer spending and better working conditions.

The increase is a result of voters approving Ballot Measure 1 in November with a 58% vote. ... Since Mark Robokoff, owner of Anchorage’s AK Bark pet supply store, became one of 130 Alaska...

By Gabrielle Gurley
American Prospect, May 22, 2025

Last November, Missouri voters passed a mandatory paid sick leave ballot initiative and joined 17 other states and the District of Columbia with similar statutes on the books. Eligible private-sector employees, about 730,000 people, began accruing one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked. The initiative also increased the minimum wage from $12.30 to $13.75 for all private businesses, and also authorized a $1.25 increase in 2026 that would bring the wage up to $15, with an annual Consumer Price Index adjustment taking effect beginning...

By Allison Bealmer
Columbia Missourian, May 15, 2025. Also Eastern Progress (KY)

A bill to repeal the paid sick leave provision of Proposition A is headed to Gov. Mike Kehoe for approval, creating a clash of opinions from employers and employees. ...

Joe Chevalier, owner of Yellow Dog Bookshop, previously hosted a rally in support of Prop A. He said he views the law as beneficial for both employers and employees.

“They’re happier in their job. They’re less likely to be looking for other work all the time,” Chevalier said. “And if you’ve got more...

By Jacob Richey, John Murphy and Blake Wallis
KOMU TV 8 News, May 15, 2025

Hundreds of people from across Missouri rallied on the steps of the Capitol Thursday against two measures that aim to overturn initiatives voters passed in the November 2024 general election. ... Senate Republicans used a rare and controversial legislative tactic to block a Democrat filibuster and pass the two pieces of legislation. HJR 73 will put a constitutional amendment to ban most abortions up for a vote on the November 2026 ballot. HB 567 now heads to Gov. Mike Kehoe...

By Samantha Walker
KOAM TV, Joplin, MO, May 5, 2025

Just days after Missouri's voter-approved paid sick leave mandate went into effect, state lawmakers are advancing legislation that would substantially change the law that voters passed in November. ...

Supporters of Proposition A express frustration with these legislative efforts to modify what voters approved.

"I would like to see it just go into place and be a sign of progress. That at least something in the Missouri democratic system still works," said Mike Draper, a member of Missouri Business for a Fair Minimum Wage...

Op-Ed By Michael Schroeder
Kansas City Star, May 3, 2025. Also Yahoo News

The implementation of Proposition A’s paid sick leave on May 1 marked an important step forward for Missouri businesses and workers. Businesses should see paid sick leave not as a burden, but as an investment in the well-being of our workforce and the vitality of our businesses and economy. That has been my experience as owner of Oddly Correct Coffee in Kansas City.

We employ 20 people. We know from experience that a business model with fair pay and paid sick leave...