Colorado Minimum Wage Order Number 28 establishes a new state minimum wage rate of $7.64 per hour and $4.62 per hour for employees who regularly receive tips, effective Jan. 1, 2012.

Montana will similarly raise its minimum wage by 30 cents to $7.65 an hour. Both states are basing the increases on inflationary effects on the economy.

Specifically, the increase in the minimum wage is based upon any increase in the U.S. City Average Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for All Items (CPI) from August of the preceding year to August of the year in which the calculation is made.

Ohio, Oregon and Washington announced similar minimum wage increases this past week. Arizona, Florida, and Vermont are expected to announce 2012 minimum wage rates next month.