Malloy: Connecticut ‘leading the nation’ on minimum wage

At a ceremony Thursday evening in New Britain, Connecticut Gov. Dannell Malloy signed legislation that will raise Connecticut’s minimum wage to $10.10 per hour by 2017.

That new rate is projected to be the highest minimum wage in the country by that time, although other state might enact wage increases over the next three years.

“We proved that it can be done, that you can make a difference for those who work so hard but who struggle at the end of the month to pay the bills,” said Senate President Don Williams at the signing ceremony.

Malloy brushed aside questions about the increase the new legislation has for tipped workers. The state’s restaurant association says that tipped workers–like waiters and waitresses–usually make much more than minimum wage.

Instead, Malloy said the minimum wage increase benefits people who are supporting their families on low salaries.

“This is important work that we’re doing,” Malloy said. “This is real leadership. This is Connecticut getting in front and leading the nation.”

$10.10 per hour is the rate that President Barack Obama has been pushing for in his effort to raise the federal minimum wage. Malloy has been one of the most outspoken supporters of Obama’s push. 

Wes Duplantier