Colorado minimum wage increases will be the first steps toward having minimum wage become a livable means of income.
Last week Gov. John Hickenlooper signed several state amendments and propositions that were approved by voters in November into law. Among several laws that will go into effect January 1, 2017, is Amendment 70, which raises the Colorado minimum wage incrementally over the next few years.
Starting January 1 Colorado minimum wage will be raised to $9.30, and tipped employee minimum wage will become $6.28. Colorado minimum wage will continue to rise by 90 cents the first of every year until 2020 when it reaches to $12 ($8.98 for tipped employees).
Effective January 1, 2021 the minimum wage will be adjusted annually as cost of living increases.
Amendment 70 was approved by voters by over a 10% margin. While these increases may be a struggle for smaller businesses at first, the change is noted to be a big improvement on the standard of living for Coloradans overall. Especially those in more rural areas who are currently working 2-3 jobs to make a living .
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Colorado Families for a Fair Wage[/caption]
This Colorado minimum wage increase is among nineteen other states stepping towards livable wages. Massachusetts and Washington state will officially have the highest new minimum wages, offering $11 an hour.
As previously stated, Amendment 70 was not the only one passed into law this week. You can find a complete list of the bills approved during the 2016 legislative session here.
