O'Brien calls for minimum wage increase

ALBANY, N.Y. – As part of his continuing effort to push New York's minimum towards a true living wage, Sen. O'Brien and the 26 other members of the Democratic stood together at the Capitol today to call for an increase. The full text of Sen. O'Brien's comments follows:

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"Thank you all so much for being here as we discuss raising the minimum wage. I'm Sen. Ted O'Brien, representing parts of Monroe and Ontario counties. My district is a district with significant numbers of low wage earners.

Of course, like my colleagues, I agree that the minimum wage increase will help hardworking families afford life's necessities. But I'd like to emphasize that it will also strengthen our economy and benefit folks at all income levels. Minimum wage workers put their increased wages right back into the economy by buying things they sorely need and have been living without. That helps our economy. And more purchasing means additional sales tax revenues. These revenues will help ease the tremendous financial stress felt by local governments and school districts.

I understand that increasing minimum wage increases some costs for certain employers, That is why I am pleased that we are talking, seriously about raising the minimum wage at the same time we are considering a budget that incorporates significant assistance to employers in the form of workers compensation reform. In this way we can reduce the burden to employers while balancing the contribution of low wage workers, and making our economy work for everyone."

Sen. O’Brien represents the 55th district in the Senate, which is made up of the eastern half of Monroe County and the western half of Ontario County, including much of the city of Rochester.

Media contact:

Thomas J. Morrisey
Communications Director
office: (585) 223-1800
e-mail: tjmorris@nysenate.gov