California Leaders Delay Health Care Minimum Wage Increase to Balance Budget

The wage increase that originally was pushed from June 1 to July 1 is now up in the air, with possible starting dates in October or as late as January.

Sutter Health nurses and health care workers hold signs during a one-day strike outside the California Pacific Medical Center Van Ness Campus in San Francisco on April 18, 2022. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

With the state facing a significant budget deficit, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders have agreed to delay the implementation of minimum wage increases for health care workers.

“This agreement sets the state on a path for long-term fiscal stability—addressing the current shortfall and strengthening budget resilience down the road,” Mr. Newsom said in a June 22 press release announcing the agreement.