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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.
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Hill veteran joins RILA as its top lobbyist
Arlington, Va. -- The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) announced that Jennifer Safavian has joined the association as executive VP for government affairs, effective Jan. 5. As RILA’s top lobbyist, Safavian will oversee RILA’s federal and state advocacy, guiding an agenda that includes cyber security, e-Fairness, tax reform and other critical issues facing the retail industry.