Minimum Wage Could Climb in 2013

A legislative committee has voted to raise Connecticut's minimum wage by $1 an hour over the next two years, and eventually tie future increases to the consumer price index.

Proponents originally considered a larger increase, but agreed to raise the current $8.25 wage rate to $8.75 effective Jan. 1, 2013. It climbs to $9.25 an hour on Jan. 1, 2014.

Starting July 1, 2014, the labor commissioner is required to annually announce an adjusted rate based on increases to the region's consumer price index. Those adjustments will take effect each year on the following January 1st.

The bill passed the Labor and Public Employees Committee on an 8-3 vote, sending it to the House of Representatives for further action. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said he's unsure if he'll sign it.