What to know about new state laws in 2026 on wages, SNAP benefits and climate tax

New state laws taking effect in 2026 will impact Americans through higher minimum wages, tourism taxes, and tighter SNAP restrictions across states.

City’s wage rate is adjusted each year for inflation; state’s minimum wage also is set to rise

Denver’s minimum wage will automatically rise to $19.29 per hour this week as the rate is adjusted for inflation at the start of 2026.

New Jersey’s new minimum wage will be more than double Pennsylvania’s

New Jersey’s minimum wage will increase on Thursday. The new rate of $15.92 an hour is a $0.43 increase from the previous standard, which was set in 2025. “Eight years ago, Governor Murphy pledged a stronger,

Michigan minimum wage to top $13 per hour starting Jan. 1

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the minimum wage in Michigan for adult workers will be $13.73 per hour, according to the state Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. For minors, the minimum hourly wage will be $11.67, 85% of the standard minimum wage. The tipped minimum wage will be $5.49 an hour, 40% of the standard minimum wage.

New Jersey increasing statewide minimum wage Jan. 1, no increase in Pennsylvania or Delaware

New Jersey is one of nearly two dozen states set to increase its minimum wage in 2026, and the only state in the Delaware Valley that will see a hike.
Feedback