Changes

The minimum wage does not always increase.  In the summer of 2017 in Missouri, the minimum wage actually permanently decreased from $10 an hour (which was scheduled to increase to $11 per hour in January 2018), to only $7.70 an hour.<ref>https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/minimum-wage-set-to-drop-in-missouri/ar-BBDP27V?OCID=ansmsnnews11</ref>

The minimum wage does not always increase.  In the summer of 2017 in Missouri, the minimum wage actually permanently decreased from $10 an hour (which was scheduled to increase to $11 per hour in January 2018), to only $7.70 an hour.<ref>https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/minimum-wage-set-to-drop-in-missouri/ar-BBDP27V?OCID=ansmsnnews11</ref>

States have their own minimum wages, which can be higher than the federal minimum wage.  As of January 2023, the highest state minimum wage was [[California]]'s ($15 per hour), while similarly [[Leftist]] [[Oregon]] $13.50 per hour) and [[Washington|Washington State]] ($14.49 per hour) were close behind.  Studies show that increases in the minimum wage have the effect of discouraging young men from attending college, as they choose to be employed instead.  

States have their own minimum wages, which can be higher than the federal minimum wage.  As of January 2023, the highest state minimum wage was [[California]]'s ($15 per hour), while similarly [[Leftist]] [[Oregon]] $13.50 per hour) and [[Washington|Washington State]] ($14.49 per hour) were close behind.<ref>https://minimumwage.com/in-your-state/</ref> Studies show that increases in the minimum wage have the effect of discouraging young men from attending college, as they choose to be employed instead.  

More than 90% of countries—most of which have unsuccessful economies—have minimum wage laws.  The minimum wage in the United States was most recently raised to $7.25/hr, on July 24, 2009. At this rate, a worker can earn at least $15,080.00 for the year based on a 40-hour work week, and more if he works overtime.  The minimum wage is higher in many states, such as [[California]], due to state minimum wage laws. The national minimum wage laws are based in the powers vested in Congress by the [[Commerce Clause]].  

More than 90% of countries—most of which have unsuccessful economies—have minimum wage laws.  The minimum wage in the United States was most recently raised to $7.25/hr, on July 24, 2009. At this rate, a worker can earn at least $15,080.00 for the year based on a 40-hour work week, and more if he works overtime.  The minimum wage is higher in many states, such as [[California]], due to state minimum wage laws. The national minimum wage laws are based in the powers vested in Congress by the [[Commerce Clause]].