Effective January 1, 2024, Connecticut's minimum wage of $15 will increase to $15.69 as a result of a new annual economic index adjustment.

The increase is because of 2019 legislation, which implemented incremental increases in the minimum wage between 2019 and 2023, with future yearly adjustments tied to the percentage change in the federal employment cost index.

Providing more livable wages to the lowest-earning workers is a step in the right direction to help people make ends meet and provide for their families. This increase not only assists hard-working Connecticut families, but helps spur local economies by putting more money in people's pockets, which drives up spending power and makes it easier to pay household bills.

Approximately 60% of minimum-wage earners in Connecticut are women, according to the US. Census Bureau and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Beginning this January 1, and occurring annually, the state’s minimum wage will be adjusted according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s calculation of the employment cost index for the 12-month period ending on June 30 of the preceding year. Adjustments will be announced by the Connecticut Department of Labor by October 15.

House Democrats stand in strong support of this pay adjustment and the workers who will benefit from it.