Governor Backs Minimum Wage And Tobacco Tax Hikes, Medically Assisted Death

Gov. John Hickenlooper formally expressed support for three measures on Colorado's statewide ballot: a minimum wage hike, an increase in tobacco taxes, and a law to allow terminally ill people to end their lives with medication prescribed by a doctor.

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In an interview with Colorado Matters host Ryan Warner, the Democratic governor said he is concerned that people making minimum wage now can't afford to live in many parts of Colorado.

"I'm not sure there's another way to help move more people out of poverty than to raise the minimum wage... I think in this country, if you work 40 hours a week, and you work hard, you ought to be able to afford an apartment somewhere," Hickenlooper said.

The governor also discussed accusations of abuse and neglect at a center in Pueblo that serves people with developmental disabilities; the fallout from a fundraising video recorded in his office; and how he's preparing Colorado for changes that could happen if Republican nominee Donald Trump becomes president.

Read more: http://www.cpr.org/news/story/gov-hickenlooper-will-vote-for-minimum-wage-and-tobacco-tax-hikes-medically-assisted