Supporters of the $15 figure said they will oppose big changes to an increase that they predict will lift millions out of poverty, reduce government assistance and spur the economy by boosting the spending power of low-wage workers.
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With the March 31 deadline looming and the Easter holiday in between, Governor Cuomo and the Senate and Assembly are trying to negotiate a compromise on the governor’s proposal to phase-in a $15 minimum wage for New York State. The minimum wage would automatically be adjusted each year to reflect cost of living increases after that.
– Recently, the debate over the minimum hourly wage in NY state has been a hot topic of discussion. Ginsburg has said he seriously doubts there will be a second chance this year because what Cuomo originally proposed was “pretty marginal”.
Gov. Cuomo’s proposal would raise the minimum wage for all New Yorkers by mid 2021.
Kallick added the research indicates small neighborhood businesses also would benefit by raising the wages of the lowest-paid workers.
Opponents to increasing the minimum wage argue that minimum wage positions are meant for teens and that increasing the minimum wage will hit businesses in the pocket, causing a decrease in employment.
A spokesman for the governor declined to comment on the status of the negotiations on the minimum wage.
A February Siena College poll showed overall support for a gradual increase of the $15 minimum wage, though voters from the two main parties were flipped (Democrats back it 80-18; Republicans oppose it 36-62). However, Governor Cuomo offered a carve-out from the $15 minimum wage for farmers, although he provided no details. “We are concerned about business issues, and we support people who support things that we believe will improve the economy and the business climate in NY state”.
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Currently, California’s minimum wage is $10 an hour, but if this were to pass, it would increase by a dollar a year starting in 2017. If it definitely makes it onto the ballot (the California secretary of state will have to make it official this summer), it’d also be a historic moment, making California the first state to put a $15 minimum wage to a referendum, according to Mic. That’s because employers will need to compete for workers with the fast food industry (for which a $15 wage has already been approved) and so will need to match their pay to retain their staff.
