Most people could use a little bit more money in their paychecks right now.
And starting today-- some will get it.

The federal minimum wage is going up 70 cents--- to $7.25.
In Missouri the minimum wage is already $7.05 so that means people will get 20 cent increase.

Some people will get an automatic raise, but not everyone.  And opinions on this increase vary depending on who you ask.
In downtown Springfield,  there are a lot of people who will be affected by this change.

Nearly everyone we spoke to agrees this increase will make a difference. But they disagree about whether it's good or bad.

Aaron Tummons:  "I'm glad for it.  I think its about time America's seen something like this happen to the poverty stricken people in America," says Aaron Tummons.

"I think that's good," says Barbara Jacobson. "If you're single you need to make more money to pay rent."

For those working at minimum wage, this increase comes as some much needed relief. But others think the issue is a little more complicated.

"It's got its pros and cons. I mean if you're a small business owner its going to be hard to pay that extra money, if you're the employee you got to pay your bills too," believes Jerry Eighmy.

EntertainMart is one of those small businesses.  Manager Greg Lush says this increase will make his store feel the pinch. 
"It's hard to give hours to people as it is, so as the price goes up, the less hours we can give to people. So it hurts our crew sometimes."

Lush says EntertainMart shouldn't have to raise its prices to accomodate the wage hike,  but it may affect customer service. And he says larger businesses will probably have an even tougher time.

"As the number's go up I think people are probably losing their jobs in certain places trying to match this."

Despite that, Lush feels a conflict;  as a business manager and someone who once worked for minimum wage. 

"Just working with people that have been at minimum wage they need the money and I think it will be good for everybody."

Missouri's minimum wage increased to $.05 in Jnuary of this year in a vote by the state legislature.
So this federal increase will be on top of that change

As for how his will affect restaurants, tip-based employees like restaurant workers and bartenders, make half of whatever the minimum wage is.  So that means their base salary will go up by 10-cents.