Rep. Bob Godfrey: House Votes to Raise Minimum Wage

State Rep. Bob Godfrey (D-Danbury) voted in favor of S.B. 387, An Act Increasing The Minimum Fair Wage. The bill would raise the minimum wage to $8.70 per hour, effective January 1, 2014 and to $9.00 effective January 1, 2015. “Connecticut’s families are struggling to make ends meet and pay their bills,” Rep Godfrey said. “These full-time employees fall below the poverty level and are the ‘working poor’. Connecticut is a very expensive state to live in and raising the minimum wage ensures workers can take care of their family needs, their basic living expenses and stay in Connecticut. “The National Employment Law Project found that two-thirds of America's low-wage workers work for companies with more than a hundred employees, such as Walmart and McDonald's,” said Godfrey. “Small business owners know that paying their workers a higher wage makes them work harder and reduces turnover. Most small businesses in Connecticut already pay their workers more than the minimum fair wage required by law.” Godfrey continued, “Economists on all sides of this argument agree that what the economy needs most are consumers. Low-income workers spend their entire paychecks in their community, unable to afford to accumulate savings. Our farms and small businesses need consumers therefore giving low-income, full-time employees an extra $936 per year for their labor will help put more money into our local economy.” Bob Godfrey is the State Representative for the 110th Assembly District from Danbury. He currently serves as Deputy Speaker and is a member of the Judiciary, Government Administration & Elections, and Legislative Management committees.