Minnesota will surpass Illinois, Michigan and South Dakota this week with the highest minimum wage in the Midwest.
The $9-per-hour wage taking effect Saturday is the second of a three-stage increase adopted last year. Next year, the wage will rise fifty cents and go up automatically with inflation in following years.
For now, this step gives The Gopher State the highest minimum wage of any state away from both coasts. The next closest wage in the region is South Dakota's $8.50 per hour, which is higher than Illinois's at $8.25.
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton says the higher wage will allow people to “earn a better living through their work” and not with handouts.
