June 23, 2008

REPRESENTATIVE RYAN APPLAUDS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
OVERRIDE OF GOVERNOR RELL'S MINIMUM WAGE VETO

State Representative Kevin Ryan, the House Chair of the Labor Committee, today voiced his support for the General Assembly override of legislation vetoed by the governor that will raise the minimum wage from $7.65 to $8.00 on January 1, 2009, and $8.25 on January 1, 2010.

The bill was passed during the 2008 regular session of the General Assembly and vetoed by Governor M. Jodi Rell on May 27. The House overrode the veto this afternoon by a vote of 102-39 and the Senate by a 25-9 margin.

"By voting to overturn the Governor's veto of the minimum wage bill, the House of Representatives has moved to correct a terrible mistake," Rep. Ryan said. "In the face of astronomical gas prices and rising energy costs, we have offered the hard-working families of Connecticut some real relief."

Representative Ryan noted that a person who works a 40-hour week at 52 weeks a year will see a raise in 2009 from $15,912 to $16,640, an increase of $728. In 2010, the raise would go to $17,160, or another increase of $520.

"Former President John F. Kennedy once said, 'a rising tide lifts all boats,'" said Rep. Ryan. "When Connecticut's families can prosper, Connecticut prospers. The best way to help our economy during these troubled times is to make sure our citizens can afford the basic necessities of life."

Representative Kevin Ryan is currently serving his 8th term and represents the 139th Assembly District of Bozrah, Franklin, Lebanon and Montville. He serves as the Chairman of the Labor Committee and is a member of Appropriations and Public Health as well.