Despite the ongoing effects of a federal sequestration, a partial federal government shutdown, and a looming debt default, the Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk Indians is raising its minimum wage. The Jackson Rancheria operates a resort, which includes a casino, hotel and several restaurants about an hour south of Sacramento. It already pays many of its 1,135 workers more than $10 per hour. Workers also already earn pretty excellent benefits, including medical, dental and vision and life insurance, along with on-site childcare, paid holidays, and a generous retirement plan. 

But starting soon, the minimum wage will be bumped up to $10.60 per hour–that’s higher than any local, state or tribal government minimum wage within the United States. The highest minimum wage within the U.S. currently is offered by the City of San Francisco, at $10.55 per hour.

The wage hike will cost the Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk Indians an estimated $5 million per year, and comes at a time when the U.S. federal government is having a hard time keeping up with its own bills–and to its obligations to Natives. Tribal Chairman Adam Dalton was quoted in a press release as saying:

"While the federal government struggles with a government shutdown our Tribe has invested its resources cautiously and kept a balanced budget. Now we are able to share the results of those decisions with our hardworking employees."

The wage increase kicks in in January.

(h/t Native News Network)