Local clergy members and representatives from soup kitchens, food pantries, and programs for the homeless will hold a press conference on Tuesday in support of a $15 minimum wage.
Governor Andrew Cuomo proposed a $15 minimum, which would be gradually phased in over five years, in his 2016-17 state budget. Lawmakers are negotiating the budget, but Senate Republicans are pushing back on the wage proposal.
Tuesday’s event is organized by Roc/ACTS, a faith-based coalition of urban and suburban congregations and social justice organizations. Many working Monroe County residents need assistance because their jobs don’t pay well enough for them to provide for their families, the organization says in a press release.
The press conference will be held at 10 a.m. at Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 North Fitzhugh Street. Downtown United Presbyterian previously voted to set the minimum pay for its employees at $15 an hour.
This article appears in Mar 23-29, 2016.
I see job postings offering $9/hr for part-time work. 16-24 hrs/wk at $9/hr is terrible and so you have to apply for benefits. 12-20 hrs/wk at $15/hr would also be terrible and also you would need benefits.
I think the government should first guarantee full-time employment to anyone who wants it before dictating the rate of hourly compensation.