Minimum wage increase will affect Connecticut jobs

Posted on January 5, 2016

The increase in minimum wage will have a marked effect on Connecticut jobs.

Connecticut’s minimum wage is scheduled to increase from the current rate of $9.15 an hour to $9.60 per hour on January 1, 2016.  The change is the second in a series of three scheduled increases under the adopted legislation, which will ultimately see the state’s minimum wage increase to $10.10 on January 1, 2017.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a July survey by the Small Business Majority shows that three out of five small business owners with employees support gradual increases in the minimum wage.  The survey reports that small business owners believe an increase will put more money in the pocket of low-wage workers, who will then spend that money on items such as housing and food, which will help stimulate the economy.

“An increase in the minimum wage makes economic sense because the result is more money in the hands of people who will spend it and invest in our local businesses,” Connecticut Department of Labor Commissioner Sharon M. Palmer said.  “Paying a higher wage helps companies retain skilled employees, and this translates to increased productivity, better customer service, and a stronger economy.”

“Raising the wage is critical to bolstering economic stability, especially among households headed by women and minorities,” Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said.  “In Connecticut, more than 60 percent of the minimum wage workforce is made up of women.  This pay increase will help us narrow wage gaps, but it’s also part of broader efforts to ensure that full time workers can afford to work and live in Connecticut.”