Connecticut Passes $10.10 Minimum Wage

The Nutmeg State becomes the nation’s first to cross the $10 minimum wage threshold.

March 28, 2014

HARTFORD – The Connecticut General Assembly voted earlier this week for legislation to raise the state’s $8.70 minimum wage to $10.10 by January 2017, the CT Mirror reports.

The bill passed both the Senate and House, and becomes a political talking point for Governor Dannel Malloy and President Obama. Malloy was expected to sign the bill yesterday evening.

With the bill, New Hampshire becomes the first state to establish a minimum wage in excess of $10. Washington State currently has the highest at $9.32.

“I am proud that Connecticut is once again a leader on an issue of national importance. Increasing the minimum wage is not just good for workers, it’s also good for business,” Malloy said .

President Obama issued a statement praising the legislation and urging Congress to follow New Hampshire’s lead. "But to truly make sure our economy rewards the hard work of every American, Congress must act," Obama said. "I hope members of Congress, governors, state legislators and business leaders across our country will follow Connecticut’s lead to help ensure that no American who works full time has to raise a family in poverty, and that every American who works hard has the chance to get ahead."

Connecticut’s current $8.70 minimum wage is the nation’s fourth highest, trailing Washington ($9.32), Oregon ($9.10) and Vermont ($8.73).

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