Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont is touting a raise in the state minimum wage coming Jan. 1, 2026, but it’s likely not enough to live on, according to many economic indicators.

At that time, the lowest wage an employer can pay will be rise from the current rate of $16.35 per hour to $16.94 per hour. It’s an automatic increase tied to the federal employment cost index required by a state law signed in 2019 .

“The commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Labor is required to review this percentage change and announce any necessary adjustments by October 15 of each year. Those adjustments must take effect on January 1 of the following year,” a statement from Lamont’s office explains. “Connecticut Labor Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo reports that the employment cost index increased by 3.6

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