CINCINNATI ( Cincinnati Business Courier) - Ohio's minimum wage has increased by 2.3%, going from $10.45 per hour to $10.70 per hour Jan. 1, but businesses may face larger wage hikes if voters approve an amendment potentially coming to the ballot in 2025. The minimum wage for tipped employees has increased from $5.25 per hour to $5.35 per hour.

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia and Washington raised their minimum wage on Jan. 1, according to an ABC News report.

Three of the states neighboring Kansas now have minimum wages above $13. The Sunflower State is still at $7.25.

Take a seat in the Break Room, our weekly roundup of labor news in Minnesota and beyond. This week: New labor laws take effect; Biden blocks Nippon bid for U.S. Steel; Sanford to pay back wages for violating pregnant worker’s rights;

The Colorado minimum wage increase started on the first of this year and is causing some mixed reactions. The minimum wage in Colorado increased $0.39 to $14.81.

Maine's minimum wage has increased by 50 cents, going from $14.15 an hour to $14.65. That comes out to be about a $1,000 yearly increase for a minimum wage worker working full-time and year-round. Also read: Maine workers face paycheck changes as paid leave contributions begin This new law will affect about 37,

Minimum wage in Colorado increased this year from $14.42 to $14.81. Now because local businesses and restaurants have to start paying their employees more, some owners say they can’t afford to bring in more staff members and are forced to downsize.