Contact: Michael Fraser, (518) 455-3751
"New York State already has a law on the books that ties us to the federal minimum wage requirements. The decision to ignore that fact is a clear indication that this measure is far more about political posturing rather than sound public policy.
Our number-one priority should be identifying programs and developing strategies that stimulate job creation. The proposed minimum-wage hike is completely counter-productive to that goal. We have a long way to go before our state economy experiences a full recovery, and forcing businesses to increase entry-level wages represents a dramatic step in the wrong direction.
Legislation that raises the minimum wage on an annual basis is little more than another disincentive for businesses to open their doors in New York State. We are already one of the highest-taxed, most highly-regulated states in the country, and we are now poised to force business owners to pay one of the highest starting wages.
Increasing the minimum wage not only impacts entry-level positions. It creates upward salary pressures, increases payroll taxes and results in greater employer costs for Social Security, Medicare and Workers' Compensation - all crippling expenditures that threaten the viability of the small business owners who can least afford it. This legislation is a job killer at a time when New Yorkers desperately need a job creator.
Addressing this issue deserves more thought and consideration than simply implementing another sweeping legislative mandate. We have one of the nation's most diverse states, with steep variations in regional economies. Average household incomes and costs of living vary greatly among localities. Instead of a blanket approach, we should consider an initiative that reflects New York's economies at a regional level.
I've sponsored legislation that would establish a training wage for young employees - allowing young people entering the workforce to get critical job experience while also allowing financial flexibility to business owners. Employees under the age of 18 with no previous job experience would receive a training wage equal to 85 percent of the minimum wage. Employers would be limited to no more than six training-wage employees at any single location."