<p>Whether or not to raise the minimum wage has been a fierce debate over the past decade, with supporters claiming that increased wages are necessary in order to make a living. Some demand as much as $15 per hour.</p>
<p>Opponents worry about the impact increased wages will have on employers. ;</p>
<p>In 2017, the lowest-paid workers in 19 states will see a wage increase. Workers in Arizona will see the largest increase &ndash; from $8.05 to $10. This raise will add &ldquo;nearly 25% to the labor costs of minimum wage employers,&rdquo; reports <em>9News. ;</em></p>
<p>Workers in Washington and Massachusetts will see increases of $1 or more per hour. California plans to gradually increase its minimum wage over the next few years, hitting the coveted $15 an hour by 2020. ;</p>
<p>Seven states &ndash; Missouri, Alaska, New Jersey, Ohio, Florida, South Dakota, and Montana &ndash; have decided to raise the minimum wage by small amounts (ten cents or so) to reflect inflation. ;</p>
<p>Workers in Connecticut, Arkansas, Vermont, Michigan, Massachusetts, and Hawaii will see pay rises this month, and Oregon and Maryland will see increases by July. ;</p>
<p>Apart from statewide increases, nearly two dozen cities also voted to increase their minimum wage:</p>
<p>&bull; $15 in Seattle</p>
<p>&bull; $13 in Sunnyvale, CA</p>
<p>&bull; $11 in New York ;</p>
<p>&bull; $10.68 in Portland, ME</p>
<p>&bull; $10.50 in Sacramento, CA</p>
<p>The federal minimum wage will remain at $7.25. ;</p>
<p>&ldquo;The $1.50 increase, I cannot even comprehend or tell you how important this will be,&rdquo; says New York fast-food worker Alvin Major. &ldquo;The price of food has gone up. Rent has gone up. Everything has gone up&hellip; This will make a difference for so many people.&rdquo; ;</p>
<p>Labor unions and other groups that support wage increases have had far more success through ballot measures than through city councils and legislatures. ;</p>
<p>Right now, supporters are busy collecting signatures to force wage increases in New Jersey, Missouri, and Florida over the next two years. ;</p>