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Poll: Most NY voters back higher minimum wage

By Associated Press

Story Created: Aug 22, 2012 at 10:40 AM EDT

Story Updated: Aug 22, 2012 at 10:41 AM EDT

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A Siena College poll shows 80 percent of New York voters want the state's minimum wage raised from $7.25 an hour to $8.50.

The poll shows an uptick in support of three percentage points since June.

The Democrat-controlled Assembly has passed legislation to raise the wage, with sponsors saying the current level is too low to meet the rising cost of food, shelter and other necessities.

The measure faces opposition from the Senate's Republican majority, whose leaders say it would hurt businesses and the fragile economy.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has said he supports the measure but it wasn't likely to pass this year.

Legislators may return to session after the November election.

Siena says the poll of 671 likely registered voters has a margin of error of 3.8 percentage points.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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