Esty, DeLauro Co-Sponsor Legislation To Increase Minimum Wage

As state legislators discuss a minimum wage increase, the state’s Congressional delegation is fighting to raise the federal minimum wage as well. Reps. Esty and DeLauro are cosponsors of the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2013, which would raise the federal minimum wage to $10.10 over the next three years. After that, it would be indexed to inflation, meaning it would rise if the cost of living increased. The current level is $7.25 an hour.

“Indexing the minimum wage to inflation is critical to taking partisan politics out of this debate,” said DeLauro in a press release. “With passage of this bill, the purchasing power of minimum wage earners would no longer be held hostage to partisanship in Congress or powerful special interests.”

According to the bill’s sponsors, over 21 million workers across the country would see their wages rise if the Act becomes law.

“This is about fairness – fairness for workers and fairness for Connecticut,” Esty said. “Hard-working families in Connecticut and across the country deserve a fair wage that reflects the value of their work and that keeps pace with inflation.”