Advocacy in Action | August 20, 2026
2027 Connecticut Minimum Wage
Connecticut’s minimum wage will increase to $17.48 per hour next year, the state announced.
The new rate, which takes effect January 1, is an increase of 54 cents, or 3.2%, from the current wage of $16.94 per hour. Under a law enacted in 2019, the state’s minimum wage receives annual adjustments at the start of every calendar year based on economic indicators from the prior fiscal year.
As a result of our advocacy efforts in 2019, the Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association successfully lead the freezing and decoupling of the tip credit from minimum wage. For this reason, the tip credit for servers and bartenders remains unchanged. For more information or questions on minimum wage, wages for tipped employees, tip credit and more, email us at info@ctrestaurant.org.
A reminder that the Mandatory Order No.8 poster must be displayed in all foodservice businesses where employees can read. The Order states minimum fair wage rates for persons employed in the restaurant and hotel restaurant occupations. For restaurants with tipped employees, note the definition of "Service Employees" and the 23 duties incidental to such service.
Connecticut Primaries
There were 17 races across the state during the recent primary elections. Of note:
- Gov. Ned Lamont defeated state Rep. Josh Elliott to win the Democratic nomination for a third term as governor.
- In the 1st Congressional District, former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin defeated longtime U.S. Rep. John Larson.
Act Now to Urge Action on the American Franchise Act
The U.S. House of Representatives could vote on the bipartisan American Franchise Act as early as September. Congress needs to hear from franchise owners, operators, and industry advocates now about their strong support.
The bipartisan American Franchise Act:
- Provides needed clarity and certainty for small business owners
- Prevents regulatory overreach that could fundamentally undermine this proven model
- Ensures a stable franchising framework, while keeping franchisees in control of their businesses
Send a message to your Member of Congress to urge them to support the American Franchise Act — click the button below to complete in just a few minutes.
Common Cents Act
The Senate unanimously passed the Common Cents Act, legislation that the National Restaurant Association and its State Association partners - including the Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association - have strongly supported and helped develop.
The bill would allow businesses to round cash transactions to the nearest five cents when pennies are unavailable to make exact change.
The legislation closely mirrors H.R. 3074, which passed the House on July 14. The Senate version, however, includes an additional provision requiring the Executive Branch to notify Congress before discontinuing any form of U.S. currency in the future.
The Associations will be advocating for the House to pass the legislation when it returns from recess, so it can be sent to the President for signature.
Updated TPS Extensions
USCIS continues to update Temporary Protected Status (TPS) related work authorization guidance, and provide new deadlines, including the recent deadlines for Ethiopia, South Sudan, Burma (Myanmar), and Somalia.
As things remain fluid, continue to check USCIS for up-to-date guidance.
| Visit USCIS | Watch NRA Webinar |
Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA)
Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Bernie Moreno (R-OH) joined as cosponsors of the Credit Card Competition Act, adding to growing support for the legislation in the Senate. Senator Angus King (I-ME) also recently signed on as a cosponsor.
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The new cosponsors are viewed as important additions to the bipartisan coalition supporting the bill.
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The National Restaurant Association and coalition partners have been actively advocating for additional Senate support and continue to build momentum behind the legislation.
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President Trump also publicly reaffirmed his support for the CCCA, citing the bill's potential to address what he described as excessive swipe fees.
The Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA) would increase competition in the credit card processing market and help address rising interchange fees paid by operators. Advocacy efforts will continue to focus on adding new Senate supporters and building the coalition needed to move the bill through Congress.
Advancements in the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Agenda
Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) hosted an event highlighting several actions advancing the Administration's Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda, and announced two major food policy actions:
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GRAS Reform: FDA published its proposed rule to reform the agency’s Substances Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) process.
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Ultra-Processed Foods: HHS and USDA submitted the federal government’s proposed definition of ultra-processed food (UPF) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for final review.
According to FDA officials, the proposal is intended to provide the agency with greater visibility into ingredients entering the food supply while maintaining the existing statutory framework for GRAS determinations.
The National Restaurant Association is reviewing the proposals and evaluating its potential impact on restaurant operators, food manufacturers, and suppliers.
AHLA Urges Congress to Prevent Government Shutdown This Fall
AHLA joined the U.S. Travel Association and Airlines for America (A4A) in urging Congress to prevent another government shutdown this fall. With the House and Senate passing separate continuing resolutions to keep the federal government funded, Congress must resolve the differences between the two measures and enact a stopgap funding bill before September 30 to avoid a shutdown.
Without swift action when Congress returns in September, Americans may once again face long TSA lines, flight delays resulting from a strained air traffic control system, and other challenges that will suppress travel and impact the entire travel economy.
Other Local & Federal Advocacy Updates
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Judge again bars Trump administration from implementing order that sought to limit mail voting. Read more.
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25 states — including Connecticut — sue Trump over Section 301 forced-labor tariffs. Read more.
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Todd Blanche is confirmed as attorney general. Read more.
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Treasury Department repeals Biden-era reporting requirement for US businesses. Read more.
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Trump says US and Canada have reached last-minute deal to delay 50% US tariffs on Canadian imports. Read more.