Arkansas is joining 19 other states across the nation today in raising their minimum wage in an effort to help those earning the lowest legal wage in the state.  Lawmakers in the Natural State approved a measure to raise the state's minimum wage to $11 per hour by the end of 2020, and today's move is the first step in this process.  Most business of 4 or more people will be required to raise their lowest wage to at least $9.25 today.

According to Arkansas online, the increase will affect 300,000 workers in the state.  The difference on a 40-hour work week paycheck would total a $30 increase, but proponents say that the extra cash will add up.  Before taxes, that's a jump from $17,680 to $19,240 in yearly pay.  According to the Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, even workers that make more than minimum wage should see a positive change in their pay as pay scales adjust accordingly.

"Tipped wages" will remain unchanged, at $2.63 an hour.

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