Multiple U.S. Jurisdictions Raise Minimum Wages January 2026
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60-Second Summary
United States — State and local governments will raise minimum wages on Jan. 1, 2026, affecting millions. Governments and city councils enacted ordinances, voter initiatives and legislative changes that tie wage floors to inflation or reset statutory rates. Denver will set a $19.29 city minimum, Colorado will adjust statewide rates, Missouri will move to $15, Michigan and Ohio will increase scheduled rates, and nearly 19 states will implement higher minimums. Employers and tipped workers will encounter revised subminimum rates. Officials cited CPI measures and enacted laws; analysts estimated millions will see pay increases. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.
About this summary
This 60-second summary was prepared by the JQJO editorial team after reviewing 11 original reports from CNHI News, STL.News, Bridge Michigan, Business Journal Daily | The Youngstown Publishing Company, Denver 7 Colorado News (KMGH), https://www.wkyt.com, KTSM 9 News, Cleveland, KUSA.com, http://www.wtol.com and Curated - BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
Timeline of Events
- 2006 — Ohio voters approve constitutional amendment indexing minimum wage to inflation.
- 2017 — Las Cruces enacts a municipal minimum wage ordinance tied to CPI.
- 2019 — Denver adopts a local minimum wage ordinance requiring annual CPI-W adjustments.
- 4. July 10, 2025 — Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signs HB 567 modifying state wage law and repealing statewide earned paid sick time.
- 5. Jan. 1, 2026 — At least 19 states and several cities implement higher minimum wages, affecting millions.
- Articles Published:
- 11
- Right Leaning:
- 1
- Left Leaning:
- 0
- Neutral:
- 10
- Distribution:
- Left 0%, Center 91%, Right 9%
Low-wage workers, including tipped employees and families in affected jurisdictions, will see higher hourly pay and increased income protection tied to inflation adjustments.
Small and some medium-sized businesses, particularly labor-intensive restaurants and retail operations, will face higher payroll costs and will need to adjust pricing, staffing, or budgets to remain compliant.
Coverage of Story:
From Left
No left-leaning sources found for this story.
From Center
Multiple U.S. Jurisdictions Raise Minimum Wages January 2026
CNHI News STL.News Bridge Michigan Business Journal Daily | The Youngstown Publishing Company Denver 7 Colorado News (KMGH) https://www.wkyt.com KTSM 9 News Cleveland KUSA.com http://www.wtol.com
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