The story

Timothy Davis, a 21-year-old who makes just above the minimum wage, chose to live on his own three months ago. He was soon second-guessing the decision.

Until Thursday, when the federal minimum wage rose from $5.85 to $6.55, he was earning $6.15 hourly for 35 to 40 hours a week at a Wendy's restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia.

He said each paycheck, coming every other week, amounted to about $380 after taxes. The month's first paycheck went exclusively to bills, food and his $551 rent. Nearly all of the second went to the same. Read full article »

All About Minimum Wage • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics • Jobs and Labor