Minimum wage increases take effect in 20 states

New York -- The minimum wage rose in 20 U.S. states and in the District of Columbia on Jan. 1.



The increase brings the total number of states with a minimum wage above the federal wage floor to 29, according to the New York Times. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour.



Nine states are increasing their minimum wage levels through automatic adjustments for cost-of-living expenses and other economic factors. Increases in the other states occurred through legislative or ballot changes.



The federal minimum wage has not been increased since 2007.