Cuomo To Raise Minimum Wage For SUNY Workers

Governor Andrew Cuomo wants to raise the minimum wage for nearly 30,000 State University of New York workers to $15 an hour

Cuomo unveiled his proposal at a rally in Manhattan today.

The governor's plan would affect about 28,000 hourly SUNY employees.

The SUNY Board of Trustees is expected to approve the increase in the minimum wage at its January meeting.

“Governor Cuomo’s commitment to implementing a higher minimum wage at scale throughout New York State is a commendable action that SUNY is proud to be a part of,” said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. “The State University of New York recognizes the value of all faculty, staff, and students at work on our campuses and the significant contributions they make to our campus communities as well as local economies in every region.”

The state's base minimum wage rose from $8.75 to $9 an hour on Thursday.  Cuomo wants to gradually raise the hourly wage to $15 for all workers.

State lawmakers are expected to debate that proposal during the 2016 session, which starts Wednesday in Albany.