Raising the state’s minimum wage to $8.50 an hour could have either beneficial and devastating effects on local businesses, depending on who's talking.
A month after New York State’s proposal to raise minimum wage, the bill is in committee. While debates continue in Albany, local leaders voice their opinions on the impact of this legislation.
Assemblyman Sean Ryan, D-Buffalo, said the minimum wage increase will help people raise their families on a higher income and prevent them from having to turn to government support.
"Every time legislation like this is introduced we always hear that it will be detrimental to business, but the studies have shown time and time again that the minimum wage helps to put more money in the pockets of workers across the state with no detrimental affects to hiring,” said Ryan.
However, Susan McCartney, director of the Small Business and Development Center of Buffalo, has a different take on the increase.
“The West Side community has a lot of small retail businesses that pay minimum wage; so this could ultimately effect the amount those businesses make,” said McCartney.
McCartney also said the increase could affect greater unemployment for workers ranging from ages 16 to 24.
Ryan stands strong on his opinion.
“The expectation in this country,” Ryan said, “is that if you work a full time job, you should be able to support your family.” By Katie Anderson and Danielle Wayne
