Community Health Center in Middletown outpaces state minimum wage

Article originally published in the New Haven Register

When Connecticut’s minimum wage increases by 50 cents to $10.10 an hour on Sunday, about 150 workers employed by the Middletown-based Community Health Center will benefit from an increase in pay as well.

But the minimum wage workers at the Community Health Center will see their rate of pay increase from $17.50 to $18 as we move into 2017. A primary care provider focusing on uninsured patients and other underserved populations, Community Health Center is entering the fifth year of a plan to keep its minimum wage well above the state and federal levels.

“As part of our mission, CHC strives to be a voice and vehicle for social change, and we believe paying a living wage helps us achieve that purpose,” Mark Masselli, president and chief executive officer of CHC, said. “We are focused on providing world-class healthcare with a world-class staff. Connecticut is an expensive place to live and the entry wage needed to reflect this fact.”

Leslie Gianelli, director of public relations and communications for CHC, said some of the minimum wage jobs the healthcare provider has include greeters, primary service associates, building security workers as well as facilities staff.

CHC has 14 locations around the state that serve more than 145,000 patients. It also brings health care services to schools and homeless shelters.

Connecticut was the first state in the country to approve legislation creating a $10.10 an hour minimum wage and the increase that will take effect Sunday is the last of three steps taken since January 2015 to achieve that goal.

“No one who works full-time should live in poverty,” Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said in a statement released Tuesday about the state’s minimum wage “We believe hardworking men and women, many of whom are supporting families, deserve fair wages. This is money that goes right back into the economy.”

By Luther Turmelle-New Haven Register