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ALBANY--No thanks to Gov. George Pataki, about 360,000 workers across New York State will benefit with an increase in the state's minimum wage on New Year's Day to $6.75 an hour.
The wage hike is part of a three-year increase that was approved last year by the state Legislature despite a Pataki veto.
The increase occurred last Jan. 1 with an 85 cent an hour hike and in January, 2007, workers will get another raise in the minimum wage to $7.15 an hour.
In addition to the hourly wage increase, employers will also face increased payroll taxes, workers compensation rates and increases in liability insurance and unemployment insurance.
The federal minimum wage is $5.15 per hour. Any increase in the federal wage about the state rate would result in an increase in the state's minimum wage.
The state's wealthiest residents will get a tax break beginning Jan. 1 when those making over $500,000 annually will see their state income taxes decrease from 7.7% to 6.85%.
The General Industry Minimum Wage Act provides that all employees in the state, including domestic workers with certain specified exceptions, must be paid at least $6.75 per hour. This rate is in effect beginning Jan. 1, 2006.
Certain jobs in the restaurant, hotel, and building service industry, and miscellaneous industries and occupations are covered by provisions, calling for the payment of the hourly rate plus overtime and allowances contained in four General Industry Wage Orders.
The wage orders permit specified allowances from the minimum wage for meals and lodging supplied by an employer. In certain industries, allowances for tips are permitted. If uniforms are required, certain allowances apply. 12-26-05
© 2005 North
Country Gazette
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