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Governor Cuomo calls for higher minimum wage: $8.75

By Associated Press

Story Created: Jan 9, 2013 at 3:24 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jan 9, 2013 at 3:34 PM EDT

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is proposing raising the minimum wage to $8.75 an hour from the current $7.25.

In his State of the State address Wednesday, the first-term Democratic governor says New Yorkers at the low end of the income ladder should earn more.

The increase is supported by powerful Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a Manhattan Democrat. Republicans who control the Senate prefer business tax breaks to spur the economy.

A person earning minimum wage in New York makes $14,616 a year.

Cuomo notes the minimum wage in 19 states, including neighbors in Connecticut, Vermont, and Massachusetts, is higher than New York.

(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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