WASHINGTON, DC— Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) released the following statement after Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced he will introduce legislation to increase the state minimum wage to $10.10 over the next three years:
“As a cosponsor of legislation to raise the federal minimum wage to $10.10, I applaud Governor Malloy for announcing a plan to do the same in Connecticut. After the worst recession in a generation, our economic recovery has left many working families behind. People who work hard should not have to struggle to meet their basic needs, and nowhere is this more evident than in Connecticut, which remains one of the most expensive places to live in the country. And the economic benefits of raising the minimum wage stretch far beyond any individual family. When a working family brings in more money, that’s more they have to spend on necessities like groceries and gas, which they would otherwise go without. This creates more consumer demand, helping businesses to grow and hire more workers. I am hopeful that Congress will follow Governor Malloy’s lead and take up legislation to ensure minimum wage workers across the country get the raise they need and deserve.”