03/27/2014
HARTFORD, CT (WFSB/AP) -
Connecticut state lawmakers have become the first in the country to pass legislation increasing the state's minimum wage to $10.10 an hour by 2017, the same rate President Barack Obama wants for the federal minimum wage.
Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy applauded the move, saying he'll sign it Thursday in New Britain, where Obama appeared to press for a $10.10 national wage.
"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," said Malloy in a statement Wednesday.
In back-to-back votes Wednesday, the bill passed the House of Representatives, 87-54; and the Senate, 21-14.
The National Employment Law Project said Connecticut is the first state to pass a $10.10 minimum wage bill. Similar proposals are also being considered by lawmakers in Maryland, Massachusetts, Hawaii and other states.
Republicans roundly criticized the bill, saying it would hurt struggling small business owners and stymie job growth.
"Today, the Connecticut Legislature took an important step towards raising the state minimum wage to $10.10 an hour and giving more Connecticut workers the raise they deserve," President Barack Obama said in a statement Wednesday.
Malloy is expected to sign the bill at Cafe Beauregard in New Britain at 6 p.m.
"This modest increase will give working families a boost, and it will contribute to our economy by getting just a little more money into the pockets of people who will spend it in their communities," Malloy said.
Obama and his delegation stopped at Cafe Beauregard ahead of his visit to Central Connecticut State University where he spoke about raising the federal minimum wage to $10.10.
The president ordered a Korean beef sandwich and some chili at Cafe Beauregard.
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