HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) – Connecticut’s minimum wage is set to increase at the end of this week.
The current minimum wage is $13 an hour and will increase to $14 an hour beginning Friday, July 1.
This change comes after Gov. Ned Lamont signed legislation into law three years ago that schedules several increases for the minimum wage over a 5-year period.
“For too long, while the nation’s economy grew, the income of the lowest-earning workers has stayed flat, making already existing pay disparities even worse and preventing hardworking families from obtaining financial security,” Lamont said. “This is a fair, gradual increase for workers who will invest the money right back into our economy and continue supporting local businesses in their communities.”
“It’s gonna effect us not only because we have to increase the minimum wage but at the same time we also have to increase the pay wages for our staff that’s been here longer that’s also not at minimum wage,” said Rosanna Sabino, co-owner of Nica’s Market. “So if I’m bringing in somebody at a higher minimum wage, I also have to increase my senior staff. So we’re gonna need to increase payroll all around.”
Sabino said unfortunately that ultimately means higher prices for consumers moving forward.
After July 1, Connecticut’s minimum wage will be the fourth highest in the country.
Here is a breakdown of previous and future minimum wage increases:
- $11 on Oct. 1, 2019
- $12 on Sept. 1, 2020
- $13 on Aug. 1, 2021
- $14 on July 1, 2022
- $15 on June 1, 2023
In 2024, the rate grows based on economic indicators.