Axios’ morning email thingie alerts us that about half of the states are increasing minimum wage: The 21 states are Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia and Washington. Oregon and Florida will raise their minimum wage later in 2025. Millions of workers are getting a raise on Wednesday, when the minimum wage is set to rise across 21 states, and 48 cities and counties, Axios’ Emily Peck writes. Why it matters: The increases lift the pay of more than 9.2 million people, per the Economic Policy Institute’s tally.