Following a press conference held by Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C-Canandaigua), Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C,I-Deerpark) spoke out against Gov. Cuomo’s proposed $15 per hour minimum wage increase. Touting small-businesses and local agriculture interests, Brabenec criticized a $15 minimum wage as a job killer, a measure that would increase consumer prices for everyone statewide and would hurt the people its’s intended to help the most.

“I don’t think anyone would disagree with the intent of helping New Yorkers earn more, but this must be done so in an economically sound way,” Brabenec said. “But, I also realize the harsh adverse consequences that a 67 percent increase would have on our business community and local farmers in my district.

“A large increase in labor costs would undoubtedly force employers to lay off employees and stifle job creation,” Brabenec said. “This would be especially devastating for farmers in my district who are not guaranteed profits year to year and rely on many minimum wage laborers. We need to get back to cutting taxes and regulations for our businesses and streamlining government’s role in the business community. Only then will we create jobs and spur economic growth.”

Brabenec offered numerous solutions that will help young people quickly acquire the skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market, rather than relying on the minimum wage as a living wage.

“Today’s job market is intense and competitive,” Brabenec said. “Young people should be focusing on building their skill set and acquiring experience so they don’t have to rely on the minimum wage. To help with this, I’m a sponsor of A.8695 and A.8691-A, which would help our youth acquire on-the-job training and make it easier to attend community college by offering scholarships. This will help to increase their earning potential right out of high school and make them more competitive in the job market.”