The Push For A Minimum Wage Increase Continues

June 11, 2012 · by fair_admin

WBNG – Binghamton

6/11/12

Kelly McCarthy

http://www.wbng.com/news/local/The-Push-For-A-Minimum-Wage-Increase-Continues-158494475.html

Some New York groups are making a last minute push to try to get the minimum wage increased. Citizen Action members rallied outside of the State Office building in Binghamton.

Those outside of the State Office Building Monday were strong supporters of an increase in the minimum wage.

Citizen Action of New York handed out information that claims those who oppose the pay raise have donated close to $400,000 to State Senators since 2010.

Assembly Democrats have pushed for a hike from $7.25 an hour to $8.50.

But the Senate Republicans are blocking it.

Citizen Action argues the increase would benefit all areas of business and raise New York’s standard of living.

“We have a bi-partisan support from constituents in relation to minimum wage, why is it that our state senators are adamant in not increasing the minimum wage? What is it about an increase of $1.25 more that frightens them so much?” said Upstate Campaigns Manager, Larry Parham.

“It affects the bottom line. If you pay your workers well you’re going to keep those customers coming back. You’re going to have happy customers who are going to return to you. That affects the bottom line,” said local business owner Gay Canough.

There are eight days left in the legislative session in Albany.

Citizen Action says its hoping action will be taken before legislators leave Albany for break.

Polls from Siena Research Institute and Quinnipiac University find strong support for increasing the minimum wage.

77% of those polled in the Siena’s June survey approve of raising the wage to $8.50 an hour.

This is similar to May, when 78% of those polled approved.

5% say they have no opinion.

A Quinnipiac University poll found similar support at the end of May.

79% showed support for a minimum wage increase.

And 50% said it should be raised even higher than $8.50 an hour.