Three of Idaho’s neighboring states increased their minimum wage this week, while Idaho’s rate remains at the federal minimum. Montana, Oregon and Washington increased their hourly minimums. Now, all but two western states have higher hourly wages than Idaho. Idaho’s minimum wage has been $7.25 since 2009. According to the Idaho Department of Labor, about 5 percent, or 19,000 Idahoans, earned $7.25 an hour in 2011. As of January 1, the minimum hourly wage in neighboring Montana is $7.80.  In Washington it’s $9.19, and in Oregon it’s $8.95/Emile Ritter Saunders, StateImpact. More here.

Question: Do you know someone from Idaho who is working in Washington for the higher minimum wage?