Raghib Allie-Brennan

Yesterday after fourteen hours of debate, the House of Representatives passed HB 5004, An Act Increasing the Minimum Fair Wage which will incrementally increase the state's minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2023.

A stronger working class and workers who earn a livable wage are good for Connecticut - our families, our communities, and our businesses. Having workers who are self-sufficient and are not dependent on social safety nets because of low wages is an important step. In addition, history has shown that workers with more income spend those wages with businesses in our community and generate additional revenue, specifically on our Main Streets.

I believe in the strongest possible terms in supporting our small businesses and that is why my first legislative initiative was to eliminate the Business Entity Tax. Please know that the considerations of our small businesses are part of any decision I make and every vote I cast. I brought those concerns to the negotiating table and helped get us the deal that was included in the legislation that passed yesterday.

The minimum wage will increase, in a four-year roll out, to $11.00 in 2019, $12.00 in 2020, $13.00 in 2021, $14.00 in 2022 and $15.00 in 2023.

The bill passed 85 to 59 and now goes to the Senate for approval.