Rep. Klarides-Ditria Opposes Wage Hike to $15

HARTFORD – State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria 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.

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.

“I am disappointed that legislative Democrats blocked amendments that would have made this legislation better for businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities,” said Rep. Klarides-Ditria. “Connecticut is one of the worst places to do business and its because of legislation like this. Increasing the minimum wage when our economy is still failing to bounce back will only push our job recovery backward.”

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 approval as it relates to the employment cost index.

House Bill 5004 now awaits action in the State Senate.