Elmont, New York – New York State Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages (D-Elmont) is proud to join the Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in support for his call to convene a wage board to increase fast food workers’ pay.

“Fast food workers are the lifeblood of this global, multi-billion dollar industry” said Assemblywoman Solages. “They must be paid an appropriate wage that enables them to support themselves and their families. The wages for this industry’s workers have been far too low for far too long.”

On Monday, the Assembly once again passed legislation to raise the minimum wage. This legislation would provide for an increase to $10.50 per hour and it would create a minimum wage of $12.50 per hour in New York City, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties. It would increase the tipped wage to $8.75 and $10.40 for New York City, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties by December 31, 2016. The bill would also provide incremental increases in the minimum wage statewide over a three year period, making it $15 per hour in New York City, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties by 2018. Beginning in 2019 the wages would be indexed to inflation.

The New York State Assembly has long led the fight to raise the minimum wage and ensure that all New Yorkers earn a living wage. In fact, the Assembly is the first and only state house to pass legislation to increase the wage to $15.