By Lynn Hatter
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-971478.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – More than 200-thousand Floridians will see their paychecks increase on the next payday. The state's minimum wage has gone up, starting Wednesday. Lynn Hatter reports the new wage is now six cents higher.
The minimum wage is now at seven-dollars and thirty-one cents. It's the result of a lawsuit filed against the state by Florida Legal Services. Attorney Ron Williams says the wage increase will help low-income earners.
"Sometimes when we talk about jobs and the need to protect jobs, it seems that that the only people that count are protecting the rich. This is something that protects the poor."
Full-time minimum wage workers will see their income grow by about 120 dollars a year. For people who earn tips, the wage rate will increase to 4.29 an hour.