New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the state is raising its minimum wage to $15 per hour — but for state employees only. Cuomo decided to implement the increase for “basic fairness and basic justice.” This move makes New York the first state to bump minimum wage to $15 for all state government workers. New Yorkers shouldn’t expect to see an increase on their next check though — the change will happen gradually over the next six years.
See Also: Street-Corner Millionaire NYC Salesman Made Millions Selling Potato Peelers
The current minimum wage in New York is $8.75 per hour, which equates to about $18,000 per year for full-time employees. Cuomo stated this “meager” salary “violates the very promise of this nation.” He went on to say “people who work full-time should not be subjected to poverty,” since some employees in the state require food stamps and welfare to survive. The Governor hopes his state will set an example for other states to follow.
What do you think of this change? Will raising the minimum wage actually help these workers, or will it just force the raise in price of everyday necessities?