Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) is an ardent opponent of Gov. Cuomo’s Wage Board and his potential plan to raise the minimum wage only for fast food industry workers. Friend argues that increasing the cost of labor on just one sector of the food industry creates an unfair competitive advantage within the marketplace and hurts the franchise owner.

“Gov. Cuomo didn’t get his way in the budget, so he created this panel to circumvent the Legislature,” Friend said. “This is not how a government is supposed to operate. Unelected, unaccountable, faceless bureaucrats drafting the policies we all have to live under.

“This is not just bad government policy, it’s also bad economic policy,” Friend said. “Big brand names don’t necessarily mean big dollars. Ninety-six percent of McDonalds operating in New York State are franchises and over 99 percent of Dunkin Donuts are locally-owned franchises. These people are taking a chance and opening a business of their own as well. To impose an increased cost on just a portion of the marketplace will adversely affect the franchises which are locally-owned businesses. These franchises offer entry-level positions that allow an individual to gain skills and build a resume. They also offer valuable jobs when other businesses are laying people off or during a lean season. You can’t just pick and choose who has to follow which laws and regulations.”