President Obama To Visit Conn. This Week To Rally Support For Higher Minimum Wage
NORWALK, Conn. (CBSNewYork) - President Barack Obama will bring his push to increase the federal minimum wage to Connecticut later this week.
As WCBS 880's Paul Murnane reported, four New England governors - including Connecticut's Dannel Malloy and Deval Patrick of Massachusetts - are expected in the room with President Obama on Wednesday at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain.
Malloy and other supporters argue a higher minimum wage would benefit working women and those over the age of 55.
President Obama has already ordered the $10.10 an hour minimum for certain federal projects.
"People, I think, instinctually understand that part of what this country should be about is if you're working hard to take responsibility that you can get ahead and that you can look after your family," said the president.
The proposed rate translates to a little more than $21,000 annually.
Connecticut Republicans note Malloy's less than enthusiastic response to past efforts to hike the minimum wage. The governor said it is the right move now given an improving economy.
The president announced his proposal to increase the federal minimum wage at his State of the Union address earlier this year.
The current minimum wage stands at $7.25 an hour and has not increased since 2007.
You May Also Be Interested In These Stories