Florida’s minimum wage increases in 2018
The minimum wage increased in the Sunshine State by 15 cents to $8.25.
States & provinces
Massachusetts passes Question 3, banning small cages for farm animals
Question 3, the Massachusetts ballot question that would have banned the sale of foods derived from animals raised in cruel conditions, has passed handily, setting new rules on the size of cages in which farmers can raise chickens, cows, and pigs.
Nevada passes measure to expand background checks for gun sales
The Yes vote on Question 1, which would require in-person background checks for all guns sold among friends, online and at gun shows, was approved by a 50.45 percent to 49.55 percent margin.
South Dakota voters approve interest rate cap on payday loans
The Associated Press declared a win for Initiated Measure 21 around 10:00 p.m. Tuesday, with around 75 percent of voters approving the measure. It caps interest rates on payday and car title loans at 36 percent. Under current laws, there is no limit on how much interest lenders can charge on these loans.
Arizona voters approve $12 minimum wage
Hundreds of thousands of Arizonans will get a raise Jan. 1. Arizona voters have approved Proposition 206 to boost the state’s minimum wage and to require employers to provide paid sick time.
Maine votes to raise minimum hourly wage to $9 next year, $12 in 2020
Maine voters decided Tuesday to raise the state’s minimum wage for the first time since 2009, bumping it to $9 per hour next year, from $7.50, and to $12 by 2020 as part of a national push by progressive groups.
Michigan’s minimum wage to go up in January 2018
On January 1, 2018, the minimum wage goes up to $9.25. Any future increases will be tied to the Michigan Treasurer, the unemployment rate and the Consumer Price Index.
Offshore wind power is taking off in the Northeastern United States
The first wave of six projects in the Northeast are expected to total more than 1,700 MW and cost nearly $9 billion in capital expenditures.
Australian state of Victoria to ban single use plastic bags
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced the government will ban single use plastic bags “as quickly as we can”.
California becomes first state to legally recognize a third gender
SB 179 helps people of all gender identities be their authentic selves.