BY MELANIE BUCK –
Arkansans that earn minimum wage received a pay increase on January 1, 2017. The state’s minimum wage rose to $8.50 per hour as part of a 2014 ballot initiated act.
In 2014, minimum wage was $7.50 per hour and after the approval of the act, it rose to $8 on January 1, 2016, and gained an additional $.50 again this year, to reach $8.50. Federal minimum wage rates remain at $7.25 per hour.
Arkansas joins 28 other states across the nation that have chosen to exceed the federal rates. The act applies to employers with four or more employees, but does not apply to those who receive tips. Servers receiving tips will earn a minimum of $2.63 per hour.
About Author
Jeri Pearson
Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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