Cuomo calls for higher min. wage: $8.75

Associated Press

Updated: Jan 9, 2013 8:47 PM

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is proposing raising the minimum wage to $8.75 an hour from the current $7.25.

In his State of the State address Wednesday, the first-term Democratic governor says New Yorkers at the low end of the income ladder should earn more.

MORE | Watch Governor Cuomo's full address or read the transcript here

The increase is supported by powerful Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a Manhattan Democrat. Republicans who control the Senate prefer business tax breaks to spur the economy.

A person earning minimum wage in New York makes $14,616 a year.

Cuomo notes the minimum wage in 19 states, including neighbors in Connecticut, Vermont, and Massachusetts, is higher than New York.

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