With No Help From North Branford, House Supports Increase in Connecticut's Minimum Wage

Wednesday night, the Connecticut House of Representatives voted to increase the state's minimum wage by $0.75 an hour to $9 per hour by 2015. 

The Connecticut House of Representatives voted 89-53, with eight lawmakers not voting, to pass the bill, which will increase the state's minimum wage from $8.25 per hour to $8.70 per hour in 2014 and then to $9 per hour in 2015, according to the Associated Press. It is estimated that 65,000 to 70,000 Connecticut workers earn the state's minimum wage, according to the AP. 

“This is a reasonable and overdue increase in the minimum wage that will help thousands of Connecticut families," said Speaker of the House J. Brendan Sharkey, D-Hamden, in a press release. "This legislation strikes the right balance between helping people and jump-starting our economy.” 

The bill passed without the support of North Branford's sole state representative, Vincent Candelora. Candelora, a republican, voted against it.  

The state Senate already approved the bill, and Gov. Dannel Malloy said he will sign it into law. Malloy sent out a press release on Wednesday explaining his position. 

“This change will make it just a little easier for working people in our state without adversely impacting the business community,” Malloy said in the release.  “This is the right thing to do for hard working men and women, and the right thing to do for families.  I look forward to signing this bill into law.” 

Meanwhile, most House Republicans opposed the bill, saying higher wages would force struggling businesses to either cut positions or raise prices, according to the AP.  

"Labor costs are so high here in Connecticut, it just suffocates our business," said Rep. Richard Smith, R-New Fairfield, according to the Connecticut Post. "It sends the message that Connecticut is not open for business."