Minimum wage increase will affect Connecticut jobs

Posted on December 31, 2016

The increase of the minimum wage is affecting Connecticut jobs.

The minimum wage in the state will be increasing from the current rate of $9.60 per hour to $10.10 on January 1, 2017 as the result of a law that scheduled increases for workers in three stages.

The coming change is the final step in a series of three scheduled increases under the law that first increased the minimum wage from $8.70 to $9.15 on January 1, 2015; from $9.15 to $9.60 on January 1, 2016; and finally to $10.10 effective January 1, 2017. Connecticut was the first state in the country to adopt legislation establishing a $10.10 minimum wage.

“No one who works full-time should live in poverty. We believe hardworking men and women, many of whom are supporting families, deserve fair wages,” Governor Malloy said. “I am proud that Connecticut has been a leader in promoting a higher hourly wage. This is money that goes right back into the economy. When workers earn more money, businesses will have more customers. This is a modest increase that will give working families a boost while also having stimulative economic effects.”

“More than 60 percent of Connecticut minimum wage earners are women – this increase will improve women’s economic security and the stability of working families throughout Connecticut,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said. “It’s good for the economy and will have an immediate benefit for working men and women.”

“The increase of Connecticut’s minimum wage to $10.10 works to everyone’s advantage because the end result is additional money in the hands of consumers who will spend it,” Connecticut Department of Labor Commissioner Scott D. Jackson said. “The money will then be invested in our businesses and bolster our local communities and economies. Additionally, by paying higher wages, employers will be better able to retain skilled and experienced workers, resulting in a more productive and efficient workforce.”