ALBANY, NY (WENY)--ON THE FIRST OF THE NEW YEAR THe STATE’S MINIMUM WAGE WILL INCREASE TO $15 PER HOUR.  

THE MINIMUM WAGE WILL ALSO BE FOLLOWED BY A 50 CENTS INCREASE OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS AND BY 2027 WILL BE INDEXED ANNUALLY TO INFLATION.  

SOME DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKERS SAid WHILE THEY HOPED THE INCREASE WOULD BE HIGHER, THEY ARE EXCITED TO SEE THIS CHANGE TAKE EFFECT FOR WORKERS. 

"We know that the cost-of-living has gone up quite a bit, inflation has hit our pocketbooks, our kitchens, our refrigerators really hard and we want to make sure that families can live in New York and stay in New York,” said Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas (D-Assembly District 34). 

SOME REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS SAid THE NEW MINIMUM WAGE WILL INCREASE COSTS AND DRIVE BUSINESSES OUT OF NEW YORK.  

“This is going to lead to more inflation there’s no doubt about it. It also makes New York State less competitive. Look, the market will determine what people should be paid,” said Sen. George Borrello (R-57th Senate District).

SOME BUSINESS OWNERS SAid THEY WELCOME THE INCREASED WAGE—SAYING IT WILL HELP COMBAT TURNOVER.  

“High turnover costs you in time and money spent on hiring and training new employees. And high turnover costs you dearly in lost sales and lost customers. When workers in our community make more money, they can spend more at local businesses," said Annie Adams, owner of Second Chic, with two clothing stores in Buffalo, New York.

ASSEMBLY MEMBER González-Rojas ADDed SHE INTENDS TO PUSH FOR PAY INCREASES FOR FOOD SERVICE WORKERS WHO MAKE A SUB-MINIMUM WAGE.  

“The one community that has been left behind and continues to be left behind that I’m deeply concerned about is our tipped restaurant workers, our food service workers,” she said.