Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is set to propose a $1 hike in the state’s minimum wage, to $7.75 an hour, over the next 18 months.
The proposal is to be announced as part of the governor’s State of the State address next Thursday. It comes as Schwarzenegger has retooled his agenda to a more moderate course as he gears up for a re-election campaign next year.
It’s also an attempt to preempt a potential ballot initiative from organized labor and Democrats that would include a $1 hike in the wage and an automatic annual increase. Schwarzenegger said he opposes an annual increase, and his proposal doesn’t include one.
