Assemblymember urges raising minimum wage

The New York State Assembly passed legislation to raise New York state's minimum wage from $5.15 to 7.10 an hour (A.9710). Assemblymember Susan John (D-Rochester/Chili/Rush/ Wheatland) sponsored and introduced the legislation.

"Our state's antiquated minimum wage of $5.15 an hour is a slap in the face to hardworking New Yorkers," Assemblymember John said. "A full-time minimum wage worker earns only $10,712 - $4,112 less than the official federal poverty level. A higher minimum wage is needed to help families make ends meet."

The legislation would increase the state minimum wage to $6 per hour on October 1, 2004, $6.75 an hour on July 1, 2005; and $7.10 on January 1, 2006. Currently, food service workers receiving tips have a minimum wage of $3.30 per hour. That would rise to $3.90 an hour on October 1, 2004; $4.40 per hour on July 5, 2005; and $4.65 an hour on January 1, 2006.

"To us, this is what the American dream is about. To be able to work and to be able to support your family," said Jim Bertolone, President of the Rochester Area AFL-CIO. "I thank the Assembly for taking the lead on an issue important to all-hard-working families."

Other provisions of the bill allow an employee advocate to bring a wage and hour complaint and establish the state Labor commissioner's access to wage and hour records in investigating alleged violations.

"The gap between the richest 20 percent and the poorest 20 percent of families with children is wider in New York state than any other state," Assemblymember John said. "Increasing the minimum wage will not only help working families get ahead, it will also help spur the economy since those families will have more money to spend."

According to Assemblymember John, neighboring states such as Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut and Rhode Island have higher minimum wages than New York, where the rate hasn't changed since March 2000.