June 23, 2008

REP. GODFREY APPLAUDS HOUSE OVERRIDE
OF GOVERNOR'S MINIMUM WAGE VETO

State Representative Bob Godfrey (D-Danbury) today hailed the House 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.

"Electricity prices are drastically rising, gas prices are rising, so why shouldn't the minimum wage go up?" Godfrey asked. "Raising the minimum wage will bring much needed income to the families who need it most. They are the lowest paid workers in the state, and we need to ensure that as inflation increases these working families have a shot at making a fair earning."

Godfrey 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.

Godfrey said, "In the face of the recent economic downturn, a higher minimum wage will provide relief to working citizens, the same group of people who are most likely to invest their earnings back into our economy."