John Seeks to Raise Minimum Wage

Local Assemblywoman Susan John (D-131) introduced legislation yeterday that would increase New York State’s minimum wage to $8.25 per hour on January 1, 2010 from the current $7.15 hourly pay rate.

“This legislation boosts the earning ability of New York’s working families who depend upon minimum wage jobs,” said John. “It is critical that we continue standing for the workers of New York State. A fair minimum wage means that working men and women will be able to better provide for their families. This legislation once again demonstrates the Assembly’s commitment to ensuring all New Yorkers earn a fair wage for a day’s work.”

Another facet to this bill is the portion that would increase the minimum wage for public employees earlier than the scheduled increase for the private sector.

 New York’s minimum hourly wage incrementally from $7.15 to $8.25 as of January 1, 2010. The initial raise to $7.75 per hour would be effective January 1, 2008, then to $8.00 per hour on January 1, 2009 and $8.25 on January 1, 2010. Beginning in 2011, an increase to the state’s minimum wage would be tied to the rate of inflation as reflected by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Why not schedule the increases to take effect at the same time?  Easy: lobbies.

Fear not food service industry, the bill takes you into consideration as well.  Under the bill, the tip-wage, also known as the sub-minimum wage, would be increased for these employees from the current $4.60 per hour to $4.95 in 2008, $5.10 in 2009 and $5.30 in 2010. In 2011, an increase of the wage also would be linked to the CPI’s rate of inflation.