The minimum wage officially rose in 18 states with the start of the new year, in many cases far outpacing the federal minimum rate of $7.25 an hour.

The increases, mostly in left-leaning states, follow years of pushing by liberal activists for higher rates after similar efforts stalled in Congress. The increases, with more to follow later in the year, will make 2018 a major experiment in their impact on employment and the broader economy.