It came just as most Americans are trying to keep ahead with higher gasoline and food prices and surcharges levied on everything from freight to flowers.
The increase is the third for the minimum wage. Another increase is planned that will bring the federal minimum to $7.25 per hour.
Some states and cities have "living wages" where companies with a certain number of employees are required to pay the amount that is considered livable by local standards.
Santa Fe, N.M., for example, requires employers to pay $10.50 per hour. Contractors are not exempt as they are held to the same threshold as other employers.
Some small businesses will pass along the cost increase to customers. An employers group warned the hike will mean fewer jobs for low skilled and young, part-time workers.
We don't see that many minimum wage jobs out there. The help wanted columns are full of jobs available and most restaurants have help wanted signs in the windows.
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