Minimum wage rise back on Conn. legislative agenda

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut's largest business group and labor advocates are preparing for another round in the legislature over raising Connecticut's minimum wage.

Connecticut Working Families is backing legislation that would increase the minimum wage from $8.25 an hour to $9 on July 1 and to $9.75 on July 1, 2014. The legislation also calls for automatically raising the minimum wage by tying it to increases in the Consumer Price Index.

The Connecticut Business and Industry Association says raising labor costs will force employers to hire fewer workers and increase prices.

A spokesman says Gov. Dannel P. Malloy supports the ideals behind the legislation, but he also understands cost pressures facing businesses, particularly in the weak economy.

A hearing on the legislation is scheduled for Thursday.

Legislation to raise the minimum wage failed last year.