Jennifer Ludden

Both blue and red states are raising rates in 2026, in some places beyond $17 an hour.

But the Employment Law Project says 20 states are keeping the lower federal rate, many of them in the South, where most Black workers live.

Jennifer Lutton, NPR News, Washington.

The federal minimum wage has been stuck since 2009 at just $7.25 an hour.

In addition to the state hikes this year, dozens more localities are also raising their minimum wage.

It's a growing trend, according to the National Employment Law Project.

as prices outpace paychecks for millions of workers.

The boost comes from new laws, cost of living adjustments, or voter ballot measures.

Supporters say raising the minimum wage reduces hunger and poverty, while critics note it can also lead to job cuts.

Both blue and red states are raising rates in 2026, in some places beyond $17 an hour.

But the Employment Law Project says 20 states are keeping the lower federal rate, many of them in the South, where most Black workers live.

Jennifer Lutton, NPR News, Washington.

We're talking about a thousand local anti-poverty groups that date back to the 1960s.

And they sign people up for housing, health care, food, heating aid, on and on, you name it.

I visited one called HapCap.

It's in southeastern Appalachian, Ohio.

And executive director Kelly Hatt has told me, for her, the chaos started in January.

She called it the worst day in her career.

It was when President Trump ordered a freeze on all spending.

The turmoil started in January with a presidential order to freeze all funding.