Cuomo Calls for Minimum Wage Increase During Budget Address

In his state budget proposal delivered to the State Legislature on Tuesday, Governor Andrew Cuomo asked lawmakers to boost the state’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.75 effective July 1, 2013.

Democrats have been pushing for the change for nearly a year with resistance from Republicans in the Senate. With the new majority coalition in place, the governor is hoping for senate approval this time around.

The state’s $135 billion plan keeps state spending under 2 percent while closing an estimated $1.35 billion budget gap.

The governor’s budget also balances fiscal restraint with economic development, including $7 million to market and promote upstate attractions and products.