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Know Your Rights
Source: Daily News
Subject: Workplace Justice
Type: Media Coverage

Long Island Assembly Democrats ask Gov. Cuomo for higher minimum wage tier in surrounding counties, not just NYC

A group of Long Island Assembly Democrats say New York City should not be the only downstate area that benefits from a higher minimum wage proposed by Gov. Cuomo.

The seven Assembly members have sent a letter — obtained by the Daily News — to Cuomo and legislative leadership saying that “large suburban counties” should be included in any higher minimum wage tier that is created.

Under a plan they are floating, counties like Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester that have populations of at least 940,000 would be included with New York City in getting a higher minimum wage than the rest of the state.

“It’s impossible to live a decent life in those counties and meet your basic needs on minimum wage,” said Assemblyman Phil Ramos, a Suffolk County Democrat who signed the letter.

In his state budget proposal, Cuomo for the first time would create a separate, higher minimum wage for New York City. The governor is proposing raising the current statewide rate of $8.75 an hour to $11.50 an hour in the city and $10.50 elsewhere.

The seven also want any deal to include a guaranteed $1-a-year increase in subsequent years through 2019 before automatically tying future hikes to the rate of inflation. Make the Road New York and other community groups and labor unions are pushing the proposal.

To view the original article, click here.