Connecticut Joins States Moving Toward $15 Minimum Wage

The next state to hop aboard the $15 minimum wage train: Connecticut.

Lawmakers there in mid-May passed legislation that will phase in bumps to minimum wage until it reaches the $15 threshold in 2023. Minimum wage in Connecticut will rise to $11 this October (from $10.11 today) and go up $1 each year until 2023.

Connecticut is the fourth state this year to pass a bill that will eventually bring minimum wage to $15. The others are:

• Illinois
• Maryland
• New Jersey

While some Republicans surmise the legislation will harm businesses, Democratic legislators in Connecticut say the measure would help those struggling to make ends meet.

“This is one of the most important moments in my life, to actually be able to pass a law that will make a difference to so many people,” Sen. Julie Kushner, a Democrat and retired union official, told the Hartford Courant.

Senate Democrats estimate the change will impact more than 330,000 minimum wage workers in the state. Gov. Ned Lamont has yet to sign the bill but has indicated his support for it. (UPDATE: The governor signed the bill May 28.)

ICYMI: The minimum wage bill was signed into law earlier today. Here’s the video of the signing ceremony. https://t.co/nkRjk58al0

— Governor Ned Lamont (@GovNedLamont) May 28, 2019

?BILL PASSAGE ALERT: The State Senate has just passed a $15 minimum wage. #Fightfor15 #CTPolitics pic.twitter.com/y6Ft6eqSDX

— CT Senate Democrats (@CTSenateDems) May 17, 2019

Connecticut is the seventh state overall with plans to establish a $15 minimum wage.

Other Pushes for $15 Minimum Wage

While some states are increasing their minimum wage rates gradually to reach $15, some smaller jurisdictions will meet, or exceed, $15 this summer.

On July 1, 2019, several planned increases will trigger across the country, but most notably in progressive states such as California and Oregon. In San Francisco, for example, the minimum wage will hit $15.59. And in Emeryville, Calif., the minimum wage will swell to $16.30.

Other progressive states, including Colorado, will likely follow suit. Lawmakers in Colorado recently passed a bill that will allow cities to set their own minimum wage.

Follow Labor Law News for updates as minimum wage rates continue to change.

Conclusion

With the Fight for $15 continuing to gain momentum, we will likely see more states pass legislation to boost minimum wage.

Plus, expansion of local control over minimum wage means employers will have to keep a close eye on changes and plan for payroll increases in the future.

This Labor Law News Blog is intended for market awareness only, it is not to be used for legal advice or counsel.