While the pandemic and inflation have changed the nation's economic outlook, Connecticut has stood by a pre-existing plan to raise its minimum wage to $15 an hour.
Now that it’s 2023, the minimum wage will increase from $14 to $15 in June under that plan. Some are concerned about small businesses affording the increase. Others say raising the minimum wage doesn't do enough for workers on its own, and people need to earn a "living wage" to keep up with rent and other expenses.
Here's what local players expect from the new minimum wage, including what it means for businesses on the state line with Rhode Island, and what wages will look like going forward.
In May 2019, Governor Ned Lamont signed a law that first raised Connecticut’s minimum wage from $10.10 to $11 that October. The minimum wage has gone up by $1 every 11 months since, until it hits the $15 mark in June.
“It’s been implemented in a timely fashion that has helped out a lot of workers across the state,” said state Sen. Cathy Osten, who represents Connecticut's 19th District.
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Next year, the state’s minimum wage will be indexed to the U.S. Department of Labor’s employment cost index, which means it will automatically adjust going forward, without the need for a political debate, Osten said.
Due to the ongoing worker shortage, many...
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