A new poll from Quinnipiac University shows that a majority of Connecticut residents want to see a raise in the minimum wage. The poll comes as the City of New London voted to raise the minimum wage for its own workers to $10.10 an hour, the governor's statewide target for 2017.
The Q Poll shows that 71 percent of Connecticut residents support raising the minimum wage, while 25 percent oppose the change.
The poll comes on the eve of President Barack Obama's visit to New Britain to stump for a wage hike to $10.10 an hour. Forty-two percent of those polled agree that's the right level, while 20 percent want to see it even higher. Eight percent want an increase that's less than the $10.10 goal.
The results break along party lines. Ninety-three percent of Democrats support a raise, while 53 percent of Republicans oppose one.
New London passed an ordinance raising the city's minimum wage to $10.10 during a city council meeting Monday night.
While all full-time city workers already make over $10.10 an hour, the hike will benefit nearly 40 seasonal employees who work at various departments within the city. The increase will take effect immediately.
"I feel that is a nominal impact to do the right thing."
Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio
Only one council member, Martin Olsen, voted against the ordinance, citing that the increase would add to the city's annual budget. Olson told The New London Day, "Feel good doesn't accomplish a heck of a lot."
The increase is expected to cost the city $13,250 in additional expenses annually.
Currently, Connecticut's minimum wage is $8.70.
The report includes information from The Associated Press.
