Assemblymember Gabryszak Weighs in on the Minimum Wage Proposal

Gabryszak wishes to protect area businesses and workers

March 5, 2013

“I support an increase in the minimum wage, however I could not vote for this specific proposal. Last year, I voted in favor of an increase that would raise hourly wages from $7.25 to $8.50.

“An increase from $7.25 to $9.00 is too excessive for Western New York. I am concerned about the burden this will place on small business. It will impact payrolls and discourage job creation. Small business owners will be forced to raise prices or lay employees off.

“Instead of a blanket increase, I would be interested in setting the minimum wage by region. New York already differentiates by region for prevailing wage rates and Medicaid reimbursement. The minimum wage should be based on similar criteria.

“I would also support tying future increases in the minimum wage to inflation. This would prevent the need for large increases and give business owners certainty for future payroll planning.”

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