Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz is pleased to announce that the new bi-partisan legislation raising New York’s woefully inadequate minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.15 per hour went into effect January 1 of this year. The phase-in legislation, which increases the wage gradually over three years, increased the state’s minimum wage to $6.00 this year.

"As of January 1, this state finally got on the path to paying hard-working New Yorkers a wage that is more in-line with what it takes to make ends meet," Assemblyman Dinowitz said. "It’s time we adequately rewarded people for their work."

Following this year’s hike to $6.00 per hour, the wage will continue to increase to $6.75 per hour on January 1, 2006, and $7.15 per hour on January 1, 2007. Food service workers receiving tips also receive yearly wage increases under the plan. The tip minimum wage rose from $3.30 to $3.85 per hour this year. It will increase to $4.35 on January 1, 2006; and $4.60 on January 1, 2007.

In August, the Assembly overrode the governor’s veto of the legislation. The governor’s call to wait for the federal government to raise the minimum wage ignored the immediate economic stress on New York’s lowest-paid workers. "It’s worth noting the governor – who earns $179,000 a year, or roughly $86 an hour – was trying to close the door of opportunity on someone making $5.15 per hour, or less than $11,000 a year," Dinowitz said.

"It’s unfortunate that the governor tried to stand in the way of paying a fair wage for hard work, but the Assembly and Senate came together to do what is best for New York’s working families," Assemblyman Dinowitz stated. "Raising the minimum wage just makes sense for the people in this state."