Obama applauds Hawaii minimum wage hike

Published: Apr. 30, 2014 at 11:30 AM HST
Email This Link
Share on Pinterest
Share on LinkedIn

HONOLULU (AP) - President Barack Obama is commending Hawaii lawmakers for raising the state's minimum wage to $10.10.

The president says in a statement released Wednesday that Republicans in Congress should follow Hawaii's lead and raise the minimum wage for 28 million Americans. Later Wednesday, U.S. Senate Republicans blocked a bill seeking a federal minimum-wage increase.

The Hawaii measure was approved by legislators Tuesday. Gov. Neil Abercrombie has indicated he will likely approve it.

The increase from $7.25 is the first since 2007 and would be phased in over four years.

Obama says Hawaii joins a large coalition of states, counties, cities and businesses to give individuals a raise.

Obama says it's time "for Republicans in Congress to listen to the majority of Americans who say it's time to give America a raise."

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.