Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, alongside Vice President Joseph Biden, pushed for fair pay for New York’s workers, setting a goal to make New York State the first state in the nation to adopt a $15 per hour minimum wage. Acting State Labor Commissioner Mario J. Musolino signed an order the same day that provides a $15 per hour statewide minimum wage for fast workers. Cuomo’s proposal would put in effect an all-industry minimum wage. New York City workers would see an increase by December 31, 2018. The rest of New York State would see an increase by July 1, 2021.
“If you work full time, you shouldn’t have to live in poverty – plain and simple,” said Cuomo. “Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour will add fairness to our economy and bring dignity and respect to 2.2 million people, many of whom have been forced to live in poverty for too long. My father’s words about helping those left behind in the shining city are not just a dream – they were true when he spoke them, and they still ring true today. We will overcome the skeptics and demonstrate to the American people that we can make this a better place because New York is the state of possibility. We can restore hope and opportunity, and we will do it with a $15 minimum wage that ensures economic justice for all.”
More than 1,200 workers, community members, and advocates joined the Governor and Vice President at the Javitz Center in New York City in celebration of the fast food wage increase. The group hopes to build support for a bill to be introduced in the next legislation session that would extend these benefits to all workers.
“To grow the middle class, we need to set a livable wage that lets families pay their bills and save for their future. This is a smart investment in our workforce and our economy, and I’m proud New York is leading the nation to pull workers from a low-wage cycle of poverty,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
Governor Cuomo has taken several steps to increase the minimum wage in New York State. In 2013, the Governor signed legislation that raised the minimum wage to its current level of $8.75 from $7.25. By the end of 2015, the minimum wage will be raised again to $9.00. Tipped workers will also see an increase from the previous levels of $4.90, $5, and $5.65 to $7.50 as of December 31, 2015.
Assemblyman Nick Perry, who represents East Flatbush and Flatlands, said “The working people of New York are fortunate to have a Governor who understands how vital a thriving middle class is to economic growth. I commend the Governor for being a fighter for New York’s fast food and tipped workers, and for all New Yorkers as he launches the Mario Cuomo Economic Justice Campaign. I am excited to help make this proposal become law.”
“Millions of hard-working New Yorkers are unable to pay for basic necessities like food, clothing, rent, and utilities – because it is impossible to support oneself on our current minimum wage. No one who works full-time should have to live in poverty. It’s why I am proud to stand with Vice President Biden and Governor Cuomo in supporting a $15 minimum wage. By putting more money in the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers, we can uplift working families and build a stronger middle-class,” said New York City Public Advocate Letitia James.
