Rep. Sherwood Boehlert, R-New Hartford, said Monday he will introduce legislation to raise the minimum wage nationally to $7.15 by 2007 to prevent New York from losing businesses after joining a handful of states with an increased minimum wage.
Boehlert also said his legislation - which is still being drafted - will offer some form of tax breaks to small businesses to offset the costs of the minimum wage increase.
The New York State Legislature overrode a veto by Governor George Pataki last year to raise the state minimum wage to $7.15 by January 2007. As a first step, the state minimum wage increased to $6 per hour Jan. 1.
"We have some states, especially southern states, that haven't raised their minimum wages. They've actually been pirating companies away," said Sam Marchio, Boehlert's spokesperson.
The current federal minimum wage is set at $5.15 an hour. Twelve states and Washington, D.C. have already raised their state minimum wage above the federal mandate.
The legislation is expected be ready by Congress' March 21 recess for the Easter holiday, Marchio said.
Over the next few weeks, Boehlert will be talking to potential co-sponsors, especially Republican Congressional members, Marchio said.
Boehlert will also develop the small business tax breaks component by talking to business owners and business groups to see what form of tax break would benefit them the most.
Tim Bridenbecker, owner of the Riverbend coffee and gift shop in Fingerlakes Mall and employer of some minimum wage employees, likes the idea of the tax breaks even though the details aren't clear yet.
"As it is, New York state already increased the minimum wage ... I would welcome any tax breaks Mr. Boehlert could come through with."
Marchio said an increase to the federal minimum wage is enacted about every eight years, which keeps pace "in terms of inflation and purchasing power of the dollar."
The last two minimum wage increases were enacted in 1991 and 1997.
Staff writer Amaris Elliott-Engel can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or at amaris.elliot-engel@lee.net
The New York State Legislature overrode a veto by Governor George Pataki last year to raise the state minimum wage to $7.15 by January 2007. As a first step, the state minimum wage increased to $6 per hour Jan. 1.
"We have some states, especially southern states, that haven't raised their minimum wages. They've actually been pirating companies away," said Sam Marchio, Boehlert's spokesperson.
The current federal minimum wage is set at $5.15 an hour. Twelve states and Washington, D.C. have already raised their state minimum wage above the federal mandate.
The legislation is expected be ready by Congress' March 21 recess for the Easter holiday, Marchio said.
Over the next few weeks, Boehlert will be talking to potential co-sponsors, especially Republican Congressional members, Marchio said.
Boehlert will also develop the small business tax breaks component by talking to business owners and business groups to see what form of tax break would benefit them the most.
Tim Bridenbecker, owner of the Riverbend coffee and gift shop in Fingerlakes Mall and employer of some minimum wage employees, likes the idea of the tax breaks even though the details aren't clear yet.
"As it is, New York state already increased the minimum wage ... I would welcome any tax breaks Mr. Boehlert could come through with."
Marchio said an increase to the federal minimum wage is enacted about every eight years, which keeps pace "in terms of inflation and purchasing power of the dollar."
The last two minimum wage increases were enacted in 1991 and 1997.
Staff writer Amaris Elliott-Engel can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or at amaris.elliot-engel@lee.net
Citizen
Hot Jobs
New! Off the Menu
The Citizens' Say
Post your comment - click hereThere are No comments posted.