Minimum wage hike causes 'snowball effect' for area businesses

LAUREL - Changes may be on the menu at a local eatery as its owners grapple with changes to Nebraska's minimum wage. Eective last month, the minimum wage across the state jumped from $9 to $10.50 per hour and will continue to increase incrementally each January over the next three years. The minimum wage will be set at $12 per hour in 2024, $13.50 in 2025 and $15 by 2026. Prior to this year, the minimum wage had not been increased since 2014, when it increased from $7.25 to $9 per hour. At Jim's Food Center grocery store, Randolph, there's about 20 employed, including part-time workers, said owner Bill Fye. Most are paid more than the minimum wage. "When minimum wage goes up, everyone else's wages, they go up, too," he said. "It's only fair."