The new year was a bit brighter for the approximately 2.5 million low-wage workers in 13 states where the minimum wage increased effective Jan. 1.

With efforts to raise the federal minimum wage stalled in Congress, some states, such as New York and New Jersey, have taken matters into their own hands.

New Jersey voters approved a referendum in the fall to raise the state’s minimum wage from $7.25, which is the federal minimum, to $8.25.

New York State lawmakers increased the minimum wage by 75 cents to $8.

In Connecticut and Rhode Island, the minimum wage also rose because of action by state lawmakers.

The minimum wage increased due to cost-of-living adjustments in nine other states: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oregon, Vermont and Washington.

Washington state has the highest minimum wage at $9.32, followed closely by Oregon at $9.10.

A total of 21 states now have a minimum wage higher than the federal minimum, which was set in 2009.

A handful of cities and counties also increased their minimum wages on Jan. 1, including San Francisco, where it rose to $10.74.

Time, Dec. 30
Huffington Post, Dec. 23