Only 29 states and D.C. have a minimum wage higher than the federal minimum wage. Research shows that there are three main reasons some states have decided to create their own minimum wage.

Based on research done in 2002, one main factor states choose to increase minimum wage are based mostly on the ideology of itself. “Drawing on the theoretical literature regarding the welfare state and that on comparative state public policy, we adduce three possible explanations: relative wealth, the strength of the political “left”,  and the ideological propensities of the public. (Waltman, pg.51)”.  The inflation itself doesn’t create huge waves in the economy and instead the thought to increase minimum wage or stay at the federal level is based on principle. “In most states, the economic consequences of state minimum wage policies are relatively muted. Since state minimum wages usually have little actual economic impact, they are, therefor, largely symbolic ( Waltman, pg.54)

Doyle, A. (2018, December 3). 2018 / 2019 Federal and State Minimum Wage Rates. Retrieved from https://www.thebalancecareers.com/2018-19-federal-state-minimum-wage-rates-2061043

Waltman, J., & Pittman, S. (2002). The determinants of state minimum wage rates: A public policy approach. Journal of Labor Research, 23(1), 51-56. Retrieved from https://kean.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.kean.idm.oclc.org/docview/214011949?accountid=11809