Minimum Wage Increase

The Federal Government required minimum wage to go from $6.55 to $7.25 Friday. Many Fort Wayne residents who make minimum wage say the change will be a big help. Christopher works at Planet Pita in the Glenbrook Mall. Hes worked day after day making $6.55 an hour…until today. Christopher says “Im a single person trying to do bills on my own and any extra income can help.” Christopher is not alone Charles Hooten also makes minimum wage and says hes looking forward to a little more cash. Hooten says “I feel great about it! I have three jobs right now so with the economy as it is, a person almost has to have extra jobs just to make ends meet.” Chris Rodts, the Manager at the Wooden Nickel Music store, says this new federal requirement will take a hit on his business. “It puts a squeeze on us most likely because we will not see an increase in sales. “ The government is making plans to ensure the increase is properly followed by employers. Hilda L. Solis, the U.S. Secretary of Labor, says “beginning this year and into 2010, I’m hiring an additional 250 wage an hour investigators. So we can continue to effectively monitor wage and hourly violations.” Government officials estimate the increase in minimum wage will generate 5.5 billion dollars in consumer spending over the next year. Indiana is one of thirty states federally mandated to increase minimum wage Friday. It is estimated that this will benefit between 3 and 5 million Americans. The last time minimum wage increased in Indiana was back in July of 2008.