Experts have debated the merits of minimum wage increases for decades.

BY MELISSA ANGELL, POLICY CORRESPONDENT @MELISSKAWRITES

Photo: Getty Images

Nearly 20 states kicked off the New Year with minimum wage increases, but some employment experts warn that doing so could exacerbate inflation levels.

Minimum wage increases across 19 states will boost the paychecks for more than 8.3 million Americans. Washington leads the charge with the highest pay, with a new minimum wage of $17.13 kicking in. Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, and Virginia are among the other states increasing wages.

While workers might be happier to see........

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