May 9, 2019

Rep. Kennedy Opposes Wage Hike to $15

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HARTFORD – State Representative Kathy Kennedy joined colleagues in a nearly a fifteen-hour debate, from Wednesday to the early afternoon on Thursday, regarding the increase to the minimum wage to $15 an hour.

“What I hear every day, from my constituents in Milford and Orange, is that the cost of doing business in Connecticut is just too expensive, especially compared to our neighboring states. With electric and fuel costs, insurance, state taxes, and other expenses, a push for a higher $15 minimum wage will only force many small businesses to reduce hours for staff, raise their prices or even layoff the very workers we are looking to help,” said Rep. Kathy Kennedy. “Connecticut taxpayers and small business owners continue to get squeezed with no end in sight; Enough is enough.”

The House Republican caucus offered eight amendments to help rework the legislation so that it didn’t punish businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities. For example, House Amendment Schedule G was offered to exempt municipalities from having to pay employees $15 an hour.

The final version of the bill will increase the minimum wage to $15 dollars an hour over a four and a half year period, the fastest pace to $15 dollars an hour in the country. Among its more controversial components is a provision allowing the minimum wage increase beyond $15 without legislative approval as it racks the employment cost index.

House Bill 5004 now awaits action in the State Senate.

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