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Connecticut's Minimum Wage Rises To $9.60 Per Hour On Jan. 1

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- Minimum wage workers can rejoice on January 1 when the minimum hourly wage will increase to $9.60, one of the highest in the nation.

Connecticut Governor Dannel Mallory reminded residents that the state's minimum wage will jump up to $9.15 per hour on Jan. 1.

Connecticut Governor Dannel Mallory reminded residents that the state's minimum wage will jump up to $9.15 per hour on Jan. 1.

Photo Credit: File
President Barack Obama, on stage with Gov. Dannel Malloy, speaks about the minimum wage at Central Connecticut State University.

President Barack Obama, on stage with Gov. Dannel Malloy, speaks about the minimum wage at Central Connecticut State University.

Photo Credit: White House

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 Jan. 1, 2017. 

“Nobody who works full-time should live in poverty. We believe hardworking men and women, many of whom are supporting families, deserve fair wages,” Governor Dannel P. Malloy said. “I am proud that Connecticut has been a leader in promoting a higher hourly wage. It is a modest increase that will give working families a boost while also having stimulative economic effects.” 

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. 

“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.” 

Residents interested in finding out their wage standard (especially service employees) should visit the Connecticut Department Labor’s Web site at www.ct.gov/dol or by contacting the Labor Department’s Division of Wage and Workplace Standards at 860-263-6790.

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