Minimum wage increases by $.70
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

Some local workers could see a little more jingle in their pockets this week, thanks to an increase in the Federal Minimum Wage rate. Effec- tive July 24, the minimum wage was increased from $5.15 per hour to $5.85. This is the first increase in the rate since 1997, the longest period of time to elapse without an increase.

Two additional hikes are to follow. In July 2008, the rate will increase to $6.55 per hour and to $7.25 per hour in July 2009.

The Minimum Wage Act was passed in 1938 and a minimum wage rate of 28 cents was established. Increases followed through the years so that by Jan. 1, 1978, the rate was $2.65 per hour and $4.95 by Jan. 1, 1991. It was increased to $5.15 per hour in 1997.