With the election season over and an all-too-slowly recovering economy, it's time for our representatives to focus on policies that will improve the lives of New Yorkers. A bill to increase the state's minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.50 has received overwhelming support across the state. When the state Legislature reconvenes in 2013, passing this bill should be its first priority.
Fears about an increase in the minimum wage have already been discredited by independent, nonpartisan research groups and by extensive academic research. Although recent public focus has largely been lodged in national politics to solve state-by-state issues, the real path to change is the implementation of state and local policies that will help create a better and more just society.
From September 2011 to September 2012 (the last full months available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics), New York has been one of the only states to experience a significant rise in its unemployment, going from 8.3 percent to 9.1 percent. This coupled with 21 percent of New Yorkers living under the poverty line should compel lawmakers to re-evaluate their opposition to raising the minimum wage.
Passing this bill will provide much-needed stimulus for the state by giving additional money to those most likely to spend it.
Tough times, like the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, have proven that New Yorkers are a resolute people. We continue to believe and hope for a better future. Now is the time for our lawmakers to help provide a decent wage for thousands of hardworking New Yorkers. Now is the time to urge lawmakers to advance New York.
MATT TOMPKINS
Advance New York State Inc. Rensselaerville