Cuomo Tackles Minimum Wage, Gun Violence in 2013 State of the State

Governor Andrew Cuomo made his State of the State Address in Albany on Wednesday before both houses of the legislature. Cuomo covered a wide variety of issues including job creation, education reforms, and the highly controversial subject of stricter gun control laws.

The governor says gun violence is on a rampage and the state needs to address the problem by tightening gun laws.

"We need a gun policy in this state that is reasonable, that is balanced, that is measured," Cuomo said. "We respect hunters and sportsmen. This is not taking away people's guns. I own a gun; I own a Remington shotgun; I've hunted; I've shot. That's not what this is about. This is about ending the unnecessary risk of high-capacity assault rifles."

Cuomo added that the state must enact the toughest assault weapon ban in the nation and set an example for the rest of the country.

Late, Cuomo tackled education reform, affordable house, job creation and the state's minimum wage concerns. Specifically, he called for an increased minimum wage.

"(Minimum wage annually) is only $14,616. The annual cost of gasoline is $1,200," he said. "The annual cost of electricity is $1,300. The annual cost of auto insurance is $1,400. The annual cost of groceries is $6,500. The annual cost of child care is $10,000. The annual cost of housing is $15,000. On a minimum wage of $14,000, my friends, it does not add up."

Cuomo said the minimum wage should have passed the legislature last session and he expects them to follow through this session, raising the minimum wage to $8.75