Governor Cuomo Pushes for a $15 An Hour Minimum Wage For Workers in NY

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has pledged for a statewide minimum wage for all workers at $15 an hour. The move came Thursday as Cuomo met with Vice President Joe Biden at a convention hall in Manhattan. This would be more than double the federal minimum of $7.25 an hour.

The proposal would require legislative approval in Albany. Just six months ago, Cuomo shot down the idea for a $15 an hour the minimum for fast-food workers in the state of NY. He offered a potential compromise, at $10.50 an hour. Cuomo's change of heart came, while stating at the convention, that New York, which he called the “progressive capital of this nation,” should lead the way in setting a minimum wage that would provide workers with a decent standard of living.

Some restaurant industry groups and other business associations are against the movement. They argue that raising the minimum wage hurts workers by forcing employers to cut payrolls. They say many of the businesses that pay wages at or near the minimum are small, family-owned establishments that wouldn't be able to handle the higher costs.