By Thomas C. Zambito (USA Today Network)
Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester, January 2, 2025. Also Yahoo News
New York’s minimum wage gets a 50-cent bump in January, to $16.50 in Westchester, New York City and Long Island and $15.50 in the rest of the state. This will be the first of two 50-cent increases that will bring the minimum wage to $17 downstate and $16 farther north by 2026. ...
New York joins 20 other states that will increase their minimum wage on Jan. 1, 2025. Fifteen states have a minimum wage of $15 or higher or have plans to get there, according to Business for a Fair Minimum Wage.
The group represents business owners across the country who support raising the minimum wage to increase worker productivity and retention.
“The walkable downtowns and vibrant communities New Yorkers want are made up of small, independent businesses like mine,” said Jessica Galen, the owner of Bloomy Cheese & Provisions in Dobbs Ferry. “Our businesses are stronger when our employees and folks who work locally are making enough to make ends meet. The minimum wage increase will recirculate back into the economy through spending at the main street shops that make up the fabric of our communities.”