Connecticut Panel Suggests $15 An Hour Minimum Wage By 2022
HARTFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A panel created by the Connecticut General Assembly is recommending the state gradually increase its minimum wage to $15 an hour.
In a 40-page report released Thursday, the Connecticut Low Wage Employer Advisory Board recommended state lawmakers phase in the higher wage by Jan. 1, 2022.
Connecticut's $9.60 an hour minimum wage is scheduled to climb to $10.10 an hour on Jan. 1, 2017.
James Bhandary-Alexander, the board's co-chairman, contends a gradual increase in the state's minimum wage will reduce poverty, put money in the pockets of low-wage workers and have no negative impact on job growth.
However, Andrew Markowski, Connecticut director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, calls the recommendation irresponsible. He says the state's unemployment rate is abysmal and a higher minimum wage will make it worse.
Senate Republican leader Len Fasano believes $15 would lead to small business cutting jobs and raising prices.
"Once the wage goes up to $15 an hour everything else, sooner or later, is going to catch up to that $15 an hour, which means you are going to be in that same place today five years from now and then you are going to be arguing well $15 is not enough," Fasano told WCBS 880's Sean Adams.
At this point the governor's office is not taking a position on the matter, but is encouraging debate, Adams reported.
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