Speaker Silver Introduces Bill To Hike Minimum Wage

Albany, NY (WIBX) - A bill was introduced in the State Capitol to increase minimum wage.  Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver has introduced a bill that will raise the state's minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $8.50 an hour. That's a 17-percent increase.

The bill also contains what Silver calls a groundbreaking provision which would ensure the minimum wage is annually adjusted for inflation. Calling it his top priority, Silver said the measure will repair the ladder of success. Opponents fear a higher rate will hurt job growth. If approved, the increase would begin on January 1 , 2013. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the state with the highest minimum wage is Washington.

For a list of hourly wages throughout the country, click here.