The New York State Assembly overwhelmingly approved a bill that would result in a 25 percent increase in the minimum wage to $9 an hour.
The measure passed March 5, 101-44, led by the Democratic majority. The bill must now go to the Republican-controlled state Senate, which has been looking for $2 billion in tax breaks to offset an increase.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has expressed his support for an increase to $8.75 an hour. The current minimum wage in New York is $7.25 an hour. Twelve states have a higher minimum wage than New York.
Various proposals have included increasing the wage to $8.50, with automatic increases adjusting for inflation thereafter. Cuomo is against automatic increases.
Proponents of the bill have said that a minimum wage increase will boost New York”™s economy, while opponents fear it would eliminate jobs.
New Yorkers making minimum wage is at its highest level in a decade.
