Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, has announced the 2016-17 state budget includes a common sense minimum wage increase, middle class tax cuts, and paid family leave.
“The final budget includes significant initiatives that will support New York families,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “The minimum wage increase included in this year's state budget will greatly assist low-income earners by providing wages that better enables them to meet their bsic needs. It also takes into account the unique challenges facing businesses in the North Country.”
In upstate New York, the minimum wage will incrementally increase by 70 cents until it reaches
$12.50 per hour by the end of 2020, at which point it will increase over several years based on economic factors with a $15 per hour cap.
“This plan will not leave North Country workers behind down the road because it includes increases after the initial phase in,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “The wage increase plan provides balance and moves every part of the state forward in a way that will help workers afford to live here and help our economy to grow.”
Additional funding was allocated to tackle the unique wage challenges in the agriculture and non-profit health care industries.
“I have long recognized the need to support our working poor and the needs of businesses, including our non-profit and agricultural sectors, that operate with slim margins, often on challenging revenue cycles,” Assemblywoman Russell said.
“This minimum wage deal will ensure those sectors are supported by a combination of state funding and tax cuts that will guarantee job security alongside higher, more equitable wages.”
In addition, the budget provides $4.2 billion for permanent tax cuts affecting 6 million middle-class New Yorkers. This tax cut will impact joint filers earning from $40,000 to $300,000.
“This much-needed tax cut will help the vast majority of North Country families,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “By reinvesting this money back to middle-class taxpayers, we will help bring financial relief to those who need it, while stimulating the local economy.”
Paid family leave was also included in the final budget to better support workers who need to care for their children or a sick loved one.
Businesses will be required to offer this benefit to all workers, who would initially contribute up to 70 cents each week with a four year phase-in. This small expense would ensure employees are guaranteed job security and a reasonable benefits for as many as 12 weeks of leave while taking care of their loved ones.
This measure is the most expansive paid family leave program in the country, Assemblywoman Russell said.