Connecticut’s minimum wage is set to increase from $15.69 to $16.35 per hour starting on January 1st. This change is a result of a law enacted in 2019 that ties the state’s minimum wage to economic indicators, particularly the percentage change in the federal employment cost index. Governor Ned Lamont’s office stated that the index increased by 4.2%, leading to the 66-cent increase in the minimum wage.
The law requires that the minimum wage be adjusted annually based on the U.S. Department of Labor’s calculation of the employment cost index for the previous 12 months. Approximately 60% of minimum wage earners in Connecticut are women, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Lamont emphasized that this law ensures that as the economy grows, the wages of low-income workers can grow as well.
The minimum wage increase comes as welcome news for workers in Connecticut, providing them with additional financial support. With the state’s economy showing signs of growth, this adjustment will help to ensure that the wages of low-income workers keep pace. As of January 1st, workers in Connecticut can expect to see an increase in their paychecks, reflecting the commitment to supporting workers and building a more equitable economy.
Source
Photo credit www.nbcconnecticut.com
