Schwarzenegger proposes dollar hike in minimum wage
By TOM CHORNEAU, Associated Press Writer
Friday, December 30, 2005
(12-30) 16:49 PST SACRAMENTO, (AP) --
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to propose a $1 increase in the state's minimum wage after vetoing similar legislature this year, a further indication that he is cultivating a more moderate image as he begins his re-election year.
An aide to the governor said Friday that the proposal will be included in Schwarzenegger's State of the State speech on Thursday.
Under the plan, the hourly wage would rise from $6.75 to $7.25 in September and to $7.75 in July 2007.
Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill last September that would have provided the same wage increase but also mandated automatic hikes to keep pace with inflation. In his veto message, the governor said he believed it was time to raise the minimum wage but did not support the annual increase.
The new proposal does not include an automatic yearly increase.
California's minimum wage was last increased in 2002, when it rose by 50 cents an hour. The state's lowest-paid workers already get more than the federal minimum of $5.15 per hour, but are paid less than other West Coast states. Oregon's minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, while Washington's is $7.35.
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