In an apparent policy shift, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy told reporters in Hartford today that he would support an increase in the state’s minimum wage from $8.25 to $9 by Jan. 1, 2015.
A pending bill in the state Senate proposes to increase the minimum wage to $9.75 over the next two years. Malloy, who previously expressed reservations over the increase, said he believes an increase to $9 over the next two years is attainable.
“During the last session I supported an increase, but for a host of reasons it never came to pass,” Malloy said April 26, according to published reports. “It is my hope that this year we can get it done.” Malloy reportedly said he has spoken with members of the business community and believes there is support for a phased-in increase to $9.
Earlier this year, Malloy said he would prefer that the minimum wage be raised on a national basis by Congress.
“I absolutely support the president’s move to raise nationally to $9 and I’m open to discussion about what we should do in Connecticut,” Malloy said in March, adding, “I would prefer it be done on a national basis.”
