Fuel prices are on the rise, and so are wages, so get your fill of notable rate-related developments since our January 1 update, along with known nonexempt and exempt employee rate changes that will take effect on July 1, 2026. The below numbers represent rates “known” at the time of publication, so subsequent legislative or agency activity, or revised announcements concerning inflation-adjusted wage rates,1 could change these figures on or after July 1, 2026.
Notable Rate-Related Developments Since Our First-of-the-Year Update
Enacted Changes
California (Los Angeles): The mayor signed Ordinance 188944, which effective June 29, 2026, amends the cash and hourly benefits rates under the Citywide Hotel Worker Minimum Wage Ordinance (CHWMWO) and Living Wage Ordinance. As a result, applicable cash and hourly health benefits rates will increase annually in lower amounts than the city previously established via legislation a year earlier. Under the CHWMWO, for rates applicable on July 1, 2026, the cash wage payable if an employer provides sufficient health care benefits will not change, but the hourly health benefit rate will be less than originally established.
Minimum Wage on the (Upcoming) Ballot
On June...
New York Packaging II LLC, operating as Redi-Bag USA, and its CEO Jeffrey Rabiea have agreed to pay $7.3 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations brought by the U.S. Department of Justice a...