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Newsom boasts of California’s upcoming minimum wage increase, criticizes Trump for ignoring workers
Los Angeles Times • • nation
Key Points:
- California's statewide minimum wage will increase to $17.40 per hour starting January 1, 2027, continuing its annual inflation-adjusted rise under a system established in 2016.
- Governor Gavin Newsom praised the increase as part of California's economic strength and contrasted it with the stagnant federal minimum wage of $7.25, criticizing Republican opposition to wage hikes.
- Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton criticized the wage increase, calling it harmful to workers and small businesses.
- California currently has the highest state minimum wage in the U.S., with some cities and sectors, such as fast-food and healthcare, having even higher mandated wages.
- The minimum wage increase is tied to inflation and capped at 3.5%, with the state director of finance determining the exact amount annually by August 1.
