Calif. lawmakers OK $15 minimum wage

Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif.

California lawmakers Thursday approved the nation’s highest statewide minimum wage of $15 an hour to take effect by 2022 after it was hailed by Democrats as an example to the nation as it struggles with a growing gap between rich and poor.

The legislation now goes to Gov. Jerry Brown, who says he will sign it into law Monday after previously working out the plan with labor unions.

Brown says the measure approved by the Legislature proves again that California can get things done and help people get ahead.

The state of New York was considering a similar move.

Democrats who control both legislative chambers in California hailed the increase as a boon to more than 2 million of the state’s poorest workers.

Republicans, however, echoed fears from business owners and economists that the annual increases – eventually tied to inflation – will compound California’s image as hostile to business.

The Assembly passed SB3 with a 48-26 vote. The Senate followed, 26-12.

The increases would start with a boost from $10 to $10.50 on Jan. 1. Businesses with 25 or fewer employees would have an extra year to comply. Increases of $1 an hour would come every January until 2022. The governor could delay increases in times of budgetary or economic downturns.