Anne Hughes

From morning to night, into the next afternoon, The House of Representatives approved H.B. 5004 to increase the minimum wage incrementally over the next few years to $15 in 2023 yesterday. 

After 14 hours of debate on top of 10 hours in session, nevertheless, WE persisted. This is what Democracy looks like: disheveled, bleary eyed, un-showered and steadfast. Your representatives showed up to represent our workers and affirm with dignity the value of the work we do. 

We carefully considered the disruption to small businesses, restaurants, and non-profits to make revisions to the proposed bill to address these concerns. During which our commitment to change the climate for workers in Connecticut for the better did not waiver.  

No one who works full-time should have to live in poverty, but many of our state’s full-time workers struggle to support themselves and their families because wages are too low and have not been increased from $10.10 since 2017.    

We have faith that workers will continue to invest their wages in Connecticut. We believe that our workers will keep investing their talent in businesses, non-profits, training programs, and services. This will not only improve, but also celebrate our state as one community worth living and working in.
 
Join me in celebrating pride once again of Connecticut. Stay tuned for more important legislation that is up next in the House!