CT lawmakers pass $10.10 state minimum wage

[NutmegYankee]

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. http://www.wfsb.com/story/25074569/conn-lawmakers-expected-to-vote-on-minimum-wage

First state to pass a $10.10 minimum wage!

[ellenfl]

1. which doesn't take effect until 2017. good for them but 2017? eom

[NutmegYankee]

2. Wage increases typically have phased in.

We have already had some phasing in over the last few years. I gives businesses time to plan for and accommodate the changes.

Data: Connecticut’s minimum wage is $8.70 an hour and is scheduled to increase to $9 an hour on Jan. 1, 2015.

[ellenfl]

3. that's nice but the cost of living increases necesitate that $10.10 now.

by the time we get done with the recently announced increase in food prices, that $10.10 will be inadequate . . . again. good for them for the initiative but i thinks it's too little too late. i guess it's better than a sharp stick in the eye . . . and more than the southern states are doing.

[NutmegYankee]

4. You have an excellent point.

Even if it isn't as good as we'd like, it's a step in the right direction.

[ellenfl]

5. yes, it is. hopefully the feds will up it earlier. eom