(WXYZ) — Starting on January 1, Michigan’s minimum wage will move up to $9.87 per hour from $9.65 per hour, that’s an increase of 22 cents.
That’s not all, in the new year, the tipped minimum wage will go up from $3.67 to $3.75 per hour and the rate for minors who are 16 or 17 is also increasing from $8.20 to $8.39 per hour. Once again, only adding a few extra cents to a Michigander’s wallet.
But with the current inflation rate and price increases on goods and services, who will feel the heat? And most importantly, what’s the solution?
"We are one-income family, my husband works so it’s a struggle for us and you know we just try to live within our means. But no, 22 cents will not make a difference," said Kimberley Williams.
Williams, a mother of three, is frustrated with Michigan’s minimum wage still under 10 dollars, leaving her family to cut corners just to make ends meet.
"We try not to overeat," she said.
After wages were stagnant in Michigan at $7.40 for a couple of years, in 2014, the state passed a law to raise its minimum wage annually, until it reaches $12.05 by 2031.
Financial expert Rick Bloom says this will be a challenge for many low-income earners.
"You are talking about an increase of less than $500 for the year and unfortunately, we’ve seen inflation take off for the last year, look at the price of gas, just getting to work is a lot more expensive today," said Bloom.
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