Assembly approves increase in minimum wage measure

Amended legislation benefiting thousands of working New Yorkers and their families by raising the state's hourly minimum wage from $5.15 to $6.75 as of January 1, 2003 was approved by the Assembly June 4.

"Our support for this measure reflects our long term commitment to advocating for fair wages for all workers," said Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. "Our willingness to be flexible about the specifics of the legislation is based on our determination to see an increase in the minimum wage implemented this year."

The amended legislation (A.5132B/S.4749A) differs from the measure passed by the Assembly in April only in the index to which minimum wages increases after 2003 are tied, linking them to statewide average weekly wages rather than to the cost of living. All other provisions of the bill are unchanged. The legislation has a majority party sponsor in the Senate, and was recently approved by the Senate Labor Committee.

"The minimum wage has not kept pace with inflation, so in terms of buying power it is at its lowest level in many years," said Assembly Labor Committee Chair Catherine Nolan (D-Queens), the sponsor of the bill. "Now it is up to the Senate to act to improve the standard of living for the many households in our state whose breadwinners rely on minimum wage jobs."