Connecticut is set to raise its minimum wage from $13.00 per hour to $14.00 per hour in compliance with a law passed by the state’s leaders in 2019.
The legislation implemented a plan to raise the state’s minimum wage from $10.10 in 2019 to $15 over the span of five years.
“For too long, while the nation’s economy grew, the income of the lowest earning workers has stayed flat, making already existing pay disparities even worse and preventing hardworking families from obtaining financial security,” Governor Ned Lamont said. “This is a fair, gradual increase for workers who will invest the money right back into our economy and continue supporting local businesses in their communities.”
Furthermore, the law calls for the minimum wage to be tied to the employment cost index – calculated by the U.S. Department of Labor – after it reaches the $15 mark.
“Governor Lamont and I are committed to making sure that our Connecticut economy works for everyone, and that includes our state’s low-income earners,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz added. “That’s why we voted three years ago to increase our state’s minimum wage at a steady rate, providing more financial security to families and providing residents the ability to continue supporting our local economy.”
While the wage increases, on the same day, drivers in the state will face a new addition to the state’s diesel tax. The tax will jump from 40 cents per gallon to 49 cents per gallon.
Republicans across the state have called on Lamont to pause the added tax, delaying the spike in prices for drivers who are already paying near-record prices.
“Apparently championing Joe Biden’s policies that have created skyrocketing inflation and gas prices wasn’t enough for Ned Lamont, he wants to inflict more pain on Connecticut families,” said Republican Governors Association Spokesman Chris Gustafson.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Connecticut Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
