As we enter the New Year, our country continues to battle the devastating effects of COVID-19, a pandemic that has produced record levels of unemployment and business closings across our country. As many of our essential workers on the front lines continue to risk their lives by going in to work, it is clear that the need for real, livable wages can no longer be swept under the rug. While the federal minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 an hour since 2009, the Assembly helped pass sweeping changes to the state’s minimum wage laws in 2016 that steadily raises the minimum wage to $15 an hour.

On Dec. 31, the minimum wage increased to $14.00 for workers in Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties and to $12.50 for upstate workers. All New York City workers, regardless of business size, are now earning $15 an hour. This is an important step forward in our fight against wage inequality, poverty and food insecurity – issues that have only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Assembly has always been at the forefront of strong legislation to protect workers, from guaranteeing access to paid sick and family leave, to fighting to lower prescription drug prices and expanding telehealth services during the pandemic. Raising the minimum wage is a critical step forward, but our work is far from over. I’ll continue fighting for legislation that lifts up all New Yorkers and creates a brighter, more equitable future for all of our families.