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California, New York minimum wage hikes a major win for rising populist movement

In a political climate defined by stagnant wages, growing inequality and populist revolts in both parties, activists achieved a major victory Monday.
California Gov. Jerry Brown lifts a signed bill creating highest statewide minimum wage at $15 an hour by 2022 at the Ronald Reagan building in Los Angeles,April 4, 2016. (Photo by Nick Ut/AP)
California Gov. Jerry Brown lifts a signed bill creating highest statewide minimum wage at $15 an hour by 2022 at the Ronald Reagan building in Los Angeles,April 4, 2016. 
In a political climate defined by stagnant wages for millions of workers, growing inequality and populist revolts in both parties, activists from outside of the political establishment and low-wage workers achieved a major victory on Monday when the Democratic governors of California and New York both signed bills that would gradually increase their states' minimum wages to $15 per hour.