FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 10, 2015

Speaker Heastie Welcomes Push for
Substantial Increase in Statewide Minimum Wage


Earlier this year, as part of our commitment to put the needs of families first, the Assembly Majority passed a comprehensive proposal that would lift the minimum wage across all sectors. Today's action by the state Labor Commissioner will greatly improve the lives of thousands of fast food workers in New York, and I am glad that Governor Cuomo is joining the Assembly in our fight for a substantial increase in the statewide minimum wage for all workers.

Each day that goes by without a stronger wage floor means that some will continue to thrive on low costs of labor while many more will slip into poverty. No one who works a full time job should have to live in poverty. A significant increase in the state minimum wage will help our families grow and enable neighborhoods to thrive. The Assembly has long led the fight for a substantial minimum wage increase and it's time for the Senate to finally act so that all workers can climb the ladder of economic opportunity.