What Others Are Saying

U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez
"We’re in the middle of the longest streak of private-sector job growth on record, but there are still too many Americans who haven't enjoyed a bigger slice of the pie they're helping to grow. President Obama and I believe in the basic proposition that if you work full-time in America, you shouldn’t have to raise your family in poverty. That is why I applaud Governor Cuomo, the SEIU, and workers for coming together to advocate for an increase in the minimum wage for all New Yorkers. In the absence of congressional action, state and local leaders nationwide are raising their minimum wages to ensure that everyone earns a fair day's pay for a hard day's work. President Obama and I will continue to support workers who are struggling to make their voices heard. We will keep fighting for policies that create shared prosperity and an economy that works for everyone, not just a fortunate few."

George Gresham, President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East
"In his bold call to raise the minimum wage to $15, the Governor is continuing his fight to ensure fairness and opportunity for all hard-working New Yorkers. Our home care members, who struggle to support their families while caring for our state's most vulnerable citizens, and all of New York’s healthcare workers are very grateful to the Governor for championing their cause."

Mary Kay Henry, International President of SEIU
“Governor Cuomo's action today shows that when working people stick together and speak up they can win victories to improve their families' lives. Today's victory will put money into the hands of working moms and dads, so they can put more money back into our communities. Our momentum is growing and we’re going to keep on fighting until every underpaid worker across this country wins wages on which they can raise a family and can join together to form a union and have a voice at work." 

Hector Figueroa, President of 32BJ SEIU
"Today is one for the history books: thousands of fast food workers have been heard, and hundreds of thousands more have a path forward with a powerful champion. We applaud Governor Cuomo for continuing New York's proud tradition of leading the way on progressive issues, and look forward to working with the Governor and elected representatives across the state to raise working men and women and their families out of a life of struggling to make ends meet. We know that when working people come together to stand up for themselves, their families and their communities, everyone wins. We are confident that New York will pave the way and be the first to raise the minimum wage to $15 so that everyone has a real chance for a successful future."

Mario Cilento, President of the New York State AFL-CIO
"Today's dramatic action to increase the minimum wage to $15 for fast food workers, is the first step in addressing income inequality. We commend the Governor for his leadership in tackling the defining issue of our day, and look forward to working with him to raise wages for workers in all sectors across this state. A higher wage not only helps to lift workers out of poverty, it sends the right message that dignity and respect in the workplace begins with a fair day's pay for an honest day's work."

Peter Ward, President of the New York Hotel & Motel Trade Council 
"Serena Williams isn't the only one going for a Grand Slam this week. To put it mildly, Gov. Cuomo's $15 minimum wage proposal is a game changing, home run for workers. Once again, New York is leading a national movement for economic justice and a path forward for our country."

Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York 
“Under Governor Cuomo, New York State has continually been at the forefront of progressive change. Raising the minimum wage to $15 for fast food workers is another example of that legacy, and it is a tremendous leap in achieving economic justice for New Yorkers—but we still have more work to do. Today, we are sending the message that we will continue fighting so that that we can all rise together. Every New Yorker deserves to earn a better wage, so during the upcoming legislative session I will stand with Governor Cuomo and the Mario Cuomo Economic Justice Campaign to raise the minimum wage statewide.”

Vincent Alvarez, President of the New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO
 "As the cost of living in New York City continues to increase, it is imperative that all workers receive the middle class wages that will allow them to pay for housing, care for families, and invest in their local communities. We applaud the Governor for taking this action. The New York City Labor Movement will continue to stand up to ensure that our government creates an economy that works for all, and that all of New York City's workers receive the wages they so desperately need and deserve."

James Cahill, President of the NYS Building & Construction Trades Council
“The fight for a fairer minimum wage is an issue that all New Yorkers can get behind. Being employed at minimum wage should provide workers with a sense of peace which comes with being able to provide for themselves and their families. For far too long, fast food employees and their standards of living have been subsidized by government assistance. It is time for these employees to earn a fair wage.”

Danny Donohue, CSEA President 
“An economy that works for all makes our democracy more vibrant and sustainable. When we fight against income inequality, we also fight for fairness and justice for all families.”

Shirley Aldebol, Vice President, 32BJ SEIU
“Raising the minimum wage to a level which allows workers to support themselves and their families is a major issue of economic equality. For too long the minimum wage earned by those who work full time has failed in this regard. Thousands of hard working men and women struggle to provide for themselves and their families in the fast food industry and as a result must turn to government assistance to make up the difference. The Governor is absolutely right – it is time for fast food corporations to pay a fairer minimum wage.”

Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), UFCW
“It’s time to raise up our communities, our state, and our nation with higher wages; it’s time to build a better economy that strengthens all working people and all families, not just the wealthy elite. Today’s announcement for FF workers is an important win for working people. The next step has to be including retail and other workers. So, listen up Albany: now is the moment to do what is right for all working people.”

Cynthia DiBartolo, Chairperson of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce
"I am proud to join Governor Cuomo in the Mario Cuomo Economic Justice Campaign to give hard-working New Yorkers the boost they deserve, growing the middle class and strengthening our state’s economy. Governor Cuomo is leading the nation in this charge, and I am proud to stand with him to raise the minimum wage.”

Barbara Bowen, President, Professional Staff Congress at CUNY
“Increasing the minimum wage for fast-food workers would be a strong step in the right direction for some of New York’s hardest working citizens. It would provide these workers with the financial independence they need to provide a full meal for their families or pay that month’s rent without relying on government support. The members of the Wage Board have the opportunity help hard-working families across our state, and we are proud to stand with the Governor in calling for a change in the minimum wage.”

Keith Mestrich, President and CEO of Amalgamated Bank
"Amalgamated Bank enthusiastically supports Governor Cuomo’s leadership in the minimum wage issue. Our bank was the first financial institution to embrace a $15/hour minimum wage for our own employees and we think that the same standard should apply to all workers in New York State.”

Jonathan Westin, Director of New York Communities for Change
“It’s no secret that no one can survive in New York making less than $15/hr. Today, we are proud to stand with Governor Cuomo as he vows to raise the wage next legislative session. New Yorkers deserve a chance to achieve better opportunities to support themselves and their families, and we are confident the Mario Cuomo Economic Justice Campaign can finally provide them with the dignity they deserve. We look forward to fighting alongside the Governor to make this proposal a reality."

Deborah Axt, Co-Executive Director of Make the Road New York
“Today is a day of celebration for fast food workers, and an important leap forward in the fight to win the compensation that all of New York's working families deserve - in all sectors and around the state. We thank Governor Cuomo today and look forward to working alongside him to transform this vision into a reality.” 

Joel Berg, Executive Director of the New York City Coalition Against Hunger
"Too many New Yorkers are forced to depend on public support despite their hard work and dedication to their one, two or even three jobs. The Governor's commitment to raising the minimum is a clear sign that he stands for what is right in this city – and will do what it takes to deliver for New Yorkers across the state. I commend him and thank him for taking bold action to lift New Yorkers who deserve it most.”

Karen Scharff, Executive Director of Citizen Action of New York
“For decades, flat wages have kept hard working New Yorkers struggling just to meet their family’s basic needs. Governor Cuomo responded today to the voices of fast food workers by guaranteeing fair wages. If he succeeds in expanding this victory to a $15 statewide minimum wage, Governor Cuomo will be ensuring that all jobs in our state are economy-boosting jobs by ending poverty wages.”

Gregory Floyd, President, Teamsters Local 237
“We are excited to join the Governor's fight for fair pay because New Yorkers who work full time should be able to life with dignity, free from government assistance and with a bright future ahead. Governor Cuomo is standing up for the working man and woman by calling for higher standards for fast food workers – so that thousands of New Yorkers can receive the compensation they deserve.”

Chris Erikson, Business Manager, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 3
"We must raise the minimum wage for the thousands of New Yorkers who work in the fast food industry. Full-time employees should be able to provide for themselves and their families without a mandatory second job or government assistanceI commend the Governor for his leadership and I ask the Wage Board to do the same.”

Lester Crockett, CSEA Metropolitan Region President 
“If workers can’t earn the salaries they need to survive, there is no way we can expect our local economies to thrive.”

Jill Furillo, Executive Director of the NYS Nurses Association
"Raising the wage for fast food workers will ensure that employees won't have to struggle to make ends meet or provide their families with the basic necessities. The time is now to pay them what they deserve. I thank the Governor for his leadership in advocating for these hard workers, and I encourage all New Yorkers to join us in calling for fair pay in the fast food industry."

Michael McGuire, Political Director of the Mason Tenders Ditsrict Council
"Governor Cuomo has taken a bold stand in the fight for fair pay, and we are proud to stand with him today. The fight for fair pay is about delivering on the American promise - that our firends and neighbors who work full-time should be able to support their family with dignity and respect, and should be able to plan and grow their future."

Stephen McIinnis, President, NYC District Council of Carpenters
"The men and women working in our fast food industry warrant better than to struggle feeding their families. Raising the minimum wage is a necessary step to giving these hard workers the pay they deserve.”

Terrence Moore, Business Manager, Metallic Lathers & Reinforcing Ironworkers Local 46
“Raising the minimum wage for fast food workers would mean greater financial independence for tens of thousands of New Yorkers. An increase in wage means more food on the table at home, a greater ability to pay one’s own rent, and less reliance on public assistance overall. Most important, this would be an increase in the quality of life for those who need it most. The Governor was right to launch this Wage Board, and we urge the members to stand up for fast food workers in the fight for fair pay.”

Ed Severino, Business Manager, LIUNA Local 78
“Increasing the minimum wage for fast-food workers would be a strong step in the right direction for some of New York’s hardest working citizens. It would provide these workers with the financial independence they need to provide a full meal for their families or pay that month’s rent without relying on government support. The members of the Wage Board have the opportunity help hard-working families across our state, and we are proud to stand with the Governor in calling for a change in the minimum wage.”

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
“To grow the middle class, we need to set a livable wage that lets families pay their bills and save for their future. This is a smart investment in our workforce and our economy, and I’m proud New York is leading the nation to pull workers from a low-wage cycle of poverty.”

Congressman Charles Rangel said: "I am proud to join Governor Cuomo, who has tirelessly stood up for hard-working New Yorkers, becoming the voice for those who need it most. Today marks major step in our march toward economic justice, sending a message to our lawmakers that by raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, families throughout this beautiful city and New York State will have greater opportunities to build a stronger future for themselves and our communities."

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman 
“Hard-working New Yorkers deserve a wage that can actually support themselves and their families. No one should work full-time and still live in poverty. For years, I have stood with workers demanding a real, living wage for all New Yorkers. In April, when I first called for a state wage board to give fast food workers a pay hike, I stressed that the wage board was just the beginning. Today, I join Vice President Biden and Governor Cuomo in calling for a living wage for all New Yorkers and will do everything in my power as Attorney General to protect and expand workers’ rights.”

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie
“I am pleased that Governor Cuomo’s wage board took decisive action to raise the wages of fast food workers across New York. On behalf of all the members of the Assembly Majority, I commend Acting Labor Commissioner Mario Musolino for signing this wage order and for the wage board’s service to workers around the state. The Assembly has long led the fight for a significant increase in the minimum wage for all workers across the state, and I am pleased that Governor Cuomo is joining us in our efforts. No one who works full time should have to live in poverty. Let New York – the proud Empire State – lead the way for the rest of the country and finally pass a real minimum wage that will lift people out of poverty and help them realize the American dream.”

Senator Adriano Espaillat
"Too many minimum wage workers are struggling to live day to day – it’s time to make the minimum wage a livable one. Increasing the minimum wage would help lift hard-working men and women across our state out of poverty and allow them to live with the dignity that all New Yorkers deserve. I thank the Governor for his leadership on such a critical issue, and I look forward to continuing to fight for 15 in the upcoming legislative session.” 

Senator Brad Hoylman
"The current minimum wage has kept too many New Yorkers confined to a system of endless poverty and little to no hope for too long. By pledging to fight for a statewide $15 minimum wage in next year’s legislative session, Governor Cuomo has taken a bold stand to change that system, and I will proudly join him to make this increase a reality. This is something that New York State needs, and together we will make it happen.” 

Senator Gustavo Rivera
"Securing a higher wage for fast food workers is a great achievement, and with the legislative season fast approaching we need to harness this momentum to raise the wage for every New Yorker who earns the minimum wage. I commend Governor Cuomo for his vision and commitment to hard working New Yorkers and look forward to continue supporting this movement to ensure that we have a livable wage here in NY."

Senator James Sanders
"Increasing the minimum wage isn't just a win for those trapped beneath the poverty line – it’s a win for New York’s economy. When workers are paid a fair wage, they are able to turn around and reinvest that money in the economy, helping it grow. Governor Cuomo recognizes this and I look forward to helping ensure the Legislature does too." 

Senator Diane Savino
"We must do everything we can to combat the crisis of poverty. Too many New Yorkers face this crisis every day because of an inadequate minimum wage, and I am thankful we have a friend in Governor Cuomo who is willing to fight for the change we need. The present wage forces workers into an endless cycle of living paycheck-to-paycheck, barely able to afford housing or food without assistance. It’s time that we break that cycle, and I will proudly stand with the Governor to fight for a $15 minimum wage.” 

Assemblymember Marcos Crespo
“I'm proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Governor Andrew Cuomo, labor leaders and elected officials in this Campaign for Economic Justice. With Governor Cuomo as our general, this battle for fairness and a deserved wage of $15 an hour for working men and women throughout New York State will be accomplished. New York must once again stand at the forefront of addressing income fairness for all.” 

Assemblymember Michael Blake
“Being from an 1199-SEIU family, I thank Governor Cuomo for standing up for New Yorkers and their economic justice. We must #fightfor15 because no one should work and be poor or wonder how to eat. We are committed to transforming the South Bronx, and to do that, we must raise the wage and provide economic justice for all.” 

Assemblymember Michael DenDekker
"Today I was proud to be marching with Governor Cuomo in the NYC Labor Day Parade as he announced his commitment to working men and women to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour." 

Assemblymember Richard Gottfried
“New York’s economy is coming back strong – and it’s time for the hard-working men and women of this state to get a share of its success. New York is on the verge of a new economic justice and I am proud to join Governor Cuomo in this campaign to raise the minimum wage to $15.” 

Assemblymember Guillermo Linares
"I would like to commend the Governor for his leadership standing shoulder to shoulder with the labor movement to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour. I applaud the Governor for dedicating this initiative to his father Mario Cuomo whose legacy as an immigrant was championing the rights of immigrants New Yorkers." 

Assemblymember Francisco Moya
"No New Yorkers should have to choose between putting food on the table and paying the rent. Unfortunately, that's the harsh reality for far too many. A minimum wage of fifteen dollars an hour will allow more New Yorkers to move into the middle class. America was built on the promise of upward mobility, but today's minimum wage forces too many Americans into a pattern of treading water. I commend Governor Andrew Cuomo for putting New York on the forefront of the fight for equity and fairness by championing a higher minimum wage for all." 

Assemblymember N. Nick Perry
“Today, as Washington stands still, New Yorkers march forward. Together unified under the Mario Cuomo Campaign for Economic Justice, I look forward to standing strong with my colleagues in Albany to raise the minimum wage next legislative session.” 

Assemblymember Aravella Simotas
"Too many hard working men and women struggle to put food on the table or to pay rent as a result of a low minimum wage. I look forward to joining Governor Cuomo in his fight for economic justice because we need to bring a day where New Yorkers are paid what they deserve – a living wage.”

New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer
“I am proud to have marched with Governor Cuomo and workers from across New York today as we kick off the Mario Cuomo legacy campaign to raise the minimum wage to $15. This is an issue of economic justice: the fight for $15 will improve the lives of all workers in our state. In the coming months, we will be putting all hands on deck to make this dream a reality.” 

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.
“Governor Cuomo’s call for a statewide $15 minimum wage is a welcome one, and something I fully support. A higher minimum wage will help lift working New Yorkers and their families out of poverty and into the middle class, and I look forward to working with Governor Cuomo and my colleagues at every level of government to make this proposal a reality.” 

New York City Public Advocate Letitia James
“Millions of hard-working New Yorkers are unable to pay for basic necessities like food, clothing, rent, and utilities - because it is impossible to support oneself on our current minimum wage. No one who works full-time should have to live in poverty. It's why I am proud to stand with Vice President Biden and Governor Cuomo in supporting a $15 minimum wage. By putting more money in the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers, we can uplift working families and build a stronger middle-class."

New York City Councilwoman Margaret Chin
"America is a country of immigrants, and no place exemplifies that more than New York. I applaud Governor Cuomo for taking an active role in the fight for economic justice and a living wage that workers - many of whom are immigrants who came to this country in search of the American Dream - can raise their families on."

New York City Councilman Ben Kallos
“New York is the land of opportunity, and for centuries it has stood as a beacon of light showing America the way forward. In the spirit of Governor Mario Cuomo, it’s time to brighten our light and make this city a shining city for all New Yorkers by raising the minimum wage to $15.” 

New York City Councilman Rory Lancman
“The Mario Cuomo Campaign for Economic Justice honors both working people and their greatest champion, and Governor Andrew Cuomo is the guy who can deliver New York a minimum wage people can actually live on.”

City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown
“The minimum wage has not kept pace with rising costs of living and people's expenses. I'm pleased to join Governor Cuomo in this fight to raise the minimum wage statewide and I urge our state legislators to support this important initiative.” 

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz
"In January of 2005, I published an analysis examining the potential impact an increase in the minimum wage could have on our economy. While some said increasing the minimum wage will hurt the economy without providing any proof to back up their claims, my analysis found the opposite to be true - an increase in the minimum wage actually helps grow the local economy and can reduce local public assistance rolls - and nothing ten years later leads me to believe otherwise. I called for an increase in the minimum wage back then to create a better community and we have seen our economy flourish at the same time the minimum wage has grown, but that growth is not enough. Once again we must increase the minimum wage to make it a more living wage, and I commend Governor Cuomo for making it a priority of his administration to help the hard working men and women of New York see the fruits of their labor from the payment of a fair minimum wage."

Senator Tim Kennedy
“Raising the minimum wage is a crucial way to help address income inequality and the ever-widening gap between blue-collar workers and the very rich. For far too long, the minimum wage has remained stagnant, making it nearly impossible to raise a family without government assistance, and it’s time we made a change – it is time for a true living wage. I applaud Mayor Brown for his move to raise the wage for city employees, and I stand with Governor Cuomo in calling on New York’s lawmakers to act on behalf of all hardworking New Yorkers who deserve their share of the American Dream."

Assemblyman Sean Ryan
“We need to pass the fifteen dollar wage to help lift thousands of New Yorkers out of poverty. Too many families are struggling to get by and they are demanding a real living wage. As the author of the City of Buffalo’s living wage ordinance, I know this issue very well. It’s time that we address income inequality and pay all workers a decent living wage. I thank the Governor for using his platform to help raise the wage in New York State.”

Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren
“I am proud to stand with the Governor in his efforts to lift people out of poverty, which is the best way to improve our neighborhoods, schools and job base. Many families will benefit and thus, New York will be an even greater place to live, work and raise a family."

Rochester City Council President Loretta Scott
“This minimum wage increase for Rochester’s public sector employees is a tremendous step forward for our community. Hard-working people throughout Rochester – someone’s brother or sister, mother or father – are struggling to put food on the table, even while working multiple jobs. Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour not only ends this cycle of poverty, it ensures individuals are able to turn around and spend more of their hard-earned money at local business, growing our economy. I am proud that Rochester is joining Governor Cuomo by raising the wage for public sector employees, but there is still more to do – and that’s why the state legislature must raise the wage for all minimum wage workers. I stand with Governor Cuomo in the fight for $15, and urge lawmakers to do the same.”

Dan Maloney, President of the Rochester and Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation and President of the United Auto Workers Local 1097
“Together we stand united in the fight for a $15 minimum wage. Raising the minimum wage for millions of hard-working men and women grants them the ability to survive without government assistance and to lead a decent living, where they would not have to worry about deciding whether to pay for housing, food, or other necessities. We thank Governor Cuomo for supporting these hard-working people, and call on every state legislator to join us in the fight for fair pay.”

George Harrigan, President Teamsters Joint Council #46 in WNY
“I am for any change in a positive direction. An increase in minimum wage will actually help create jobs because a person working two or more jobs to make ends meet could afford to drop one of them - providing an opening for another worker." 

Gary Bonadonna Sr., President of Workers United Rochester Regional Joint Board
“Our workers must be able to afford to live here, support their families and be active members of their communities. A hike in the minimum wage will make that possible. On behalf of Workers United, I support the Governor’s proposal and hope it passes soon so our workers can begin to benefit immediately.”

Village of Solvay Mayor Ronald Benedetti
“Increasing the minimum wage will be a boon to our community members and to the local economy. Providing our workers with a better livelihood will give them greater opportunities to succeed. This is an important proposal for all Solvay residents, and I hope to see it pass.”

Ann Marie Talierco, President, UNITE HERE 150 and Central New York Area Labor Federation
"Increasing the minimum wage will act as a lifeline for so many of our struggling Central New Yorkers who will now be able to better support themselves and their loved ones. This is an important step towards ensuring all our workers make a living wage, and I am proud to support the Governor in this effort."

Hazel N. Dukes, President of the NYS Conference of NAACP
"The NAACP New York State Conference supports Governor Cuomo's efforts to raise the minimum wage. We know that this action is not only the right thing to do, but it is the moral thing to do."

Beth Finkel, New York State Director of AARP
"AARP supports Governor Cuomo's proposal to bring the minimum wage more in line with the cost of living. Full-time, year-round work doesn't cut it for too many families, who still lack a decent standard of living. Low-wage jobs typically provide no health insurance or pension coverage, little if any paid time off, and virtually no job security - and low-wage workers often find it necessary to work two full-time jobs to make ends meet. The Governor's proposal would help lift families out of poverty."

Msgr. Kevin Sullivan, Executive Director of The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York
"Catholic Charities sees firsthand, every day the needs of working men and women who are struggling to provide for their families. The dim prospect many face in obtaining jobs with decent wages burdens New York families. Too many are working more than one minimum wage job. Raising the minimum wage affords working families a better opportunity to pay the rent, put a decent meal on the table and meet other basic needs. As a recent study, commissioned by the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies, UJA-Federation, and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, demonstrates, raising the minimum wage would have a significant impact on reducing poverty in New York. Decent work with decent wages is critical for all New Yorkers to live their lives in dignity."

Paul Sonn, General Counsel of the National Employment Law Project
“With this bold action, Governor Cuomo today sets a standard for how leaders across America should respond to the ongoing wage crisis that is leaving millions of working families behind, even as the economy continues to recover and corporate profits and CEO compensation soar. As NELP documented just last week, real wages have declined across all jobs over the past five years, but workers who are paid the least have been hurt the most. The governor is taking an important step to address these wage declines for New Yorkers. We call on the state legislature to move quickly and affirmatively in answering his call. And we urge leaders across the nation to follow suit.”

Margarette Purvis, President and CEO of Food Bank for New York City and Chair of the New York State Anti-Hunger Task Force
 "One in five adults on a food pantry or soup kitchen line in New York City has a job – that’s almost 200,000 New Yorkers who are working but not earning enough to provide for themselves and their families. While a minimum wage hike may feel like a difficult decision to small businesses and charities, it is a good decision as low wages are a major cause of food insecurity. We commend Governor Cuomo’s leadership to address a key root cause of hunger with a proposal to help our state's most vulnerable families.”

Roberta Keller, Executive Director of Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc.
"Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. supports Governor Andrew Cuomo in his 'Fight for Fair Pay,' and endorses his proposed increase to the minimum wage. We strongly believe that the hard-working families in Chautauqua County should be able to support their families with decency and pride, and not be at poverty’s doorstep. The proposed increase is an important first step in addressing the indefensible polarization of income that we witness in this country and in the state."

Reverend W. Franklyn Richardson of Grace Baptist Church
“Every New Yorker deserves a fair shot at success, but at the current minimum wage, not everyone has that opportunity. Governor Cuomo is fighting to change that by raising the minimum wage, and I am proud to support his proposal. Raising the minimum wage will take us one more significant step closer to ensuring that everyone is paid fairly for their hard work and has the opportunity to live the American Dream.”

Reverend Herbert Daughtry of House of the Lord Church
“For too long, some of the hardest-working New Yorkers have been forced to make extraordinary sacrifices due to a minimum wage that prevents them from sustaining themselves and their. The Governor’s fight for a $15 minimum wage can change that, and allow people to live with greater dignity and build a better future for themselves and those they love. I proudly stand with Governor Cuomo in this effort, and urge all New Yorkers to join us in fighting for economic justice for all low-wage workers.”

Reverend Dr. Johnnie Green of the Mt. Neboh Baptist Church
“The current minimum wage is stuck in the past and no longer serves to fulfill the promise that working fulltime means earning a living wage. It is time for the New York State legislature to join Governor Cuomo in the march for economic justice and push for a $15 minimum wage. Taking bold action on such an important and pervasive issue such as this will serve as a rallying call in communities all across the country – that fair pay must be a modern reality of the American Dream. That is what Governor Cuomo is fighting for, and I happily join him in this endeavor.”

Reverend Darius Pridgen of True Bethel Church
“New York has a strong tradition of being at the forefront of progress. I am proud to help the Governor continue that legacy by fighting for a $15 minimum wage through the Mario Cuomo Economic Justice Campaign. With this campaign, we have the opportunity to see real change that would achieve the fair pay and economic parity that millions of workers across our state have long deserved. This is a critical move for New York and I am hopeful that it will set the stage for progress across the rest of the country.”

Imam Al-Hajj Talib 'Abdur-Rashid of The Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood
“The minimum wage was created to ensure that if one worked hard and honestly, any person would be able to afford a decent quality of life. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case. Raising the minimum wage to $15 increases working families' ability not just to survive, but even more so to become active participants in a growing economy that benefits us all. That helps to facilitate economic justice. I commend Governor Cuomo for putting forth such a worthwhile plan, and urge all New Yorkers to join together in calling for the legislature to act on a $15 minimum wage, next year.”

Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Executive Vice President of the New York Board of Rabbis
“No matter what corner of New York State you visit, you'll find hard working individuals trapped in poverty as a result of the current minimum wage -- this unfair and it must change. Governor Cuomo is fighting for that change, with a $15 minimum wage, and I am standing with him in that endeavor. Raising the minimum wage will help millions of people out of poverty and give them the financial means to support their families proudly. I am proud to join with Governor Cuomo on this issue and will do all I can to help get this plan passed by the legislature next year."

Reverend. Dr. Raymond Rivera, President and Founder, Latino Pastoral Action Center, Inc.
“Raising the minimum wage will give millions of New Yorkers – men and women who work hard but have been left behind in this economy – the brighter future that they have always been striving toward. With a just and fair wage increase, we can help those individuals earning the current minimum wage gain the financial independence and sustainability they need to move forward. I stand with Governor Cuomo look forward to creating a brighter future for these workers, their families, and all of New York.”

Reverend Nebraski Carter, Pastor of Living Church of God in Christ
“When you look at the numbers, it is virtually impossible to provide for a family when earning the current minimum wage. By raising it to $15, families throughout New York State will be given the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty they've been trapped in and reinvest their earnings in the economy, helping it grow even further. Governor Cuomo is fighting for those working families by spearheading the campaign for a $15 minimum wage, and I look forward to helping him in any way I can.”

Reverend Emmanuel Asse, Pastor at Gateway Christian Center and District Chairperson for the National Action Network
“The minimum wage, by definition, is meant to support the hardworking men and women of this country in the pursuit of a decent life in exchange for full time work. Too many years have passed, and that is no longer the truth – we see parents and grandparents, our brothers and sisters living in poverty, unable to escape because the minimum wage is simply too low. I am grateful to the Governor for addressing this issue, and I am confident that with a $15 minimum wage this reality would change for the better and society would grow brighter each day. Governor Cuomo, thank you for your unwavering support."

David N. Dinkins, 106th Mayor, City of New York
"Governor Cuomo has shown leadership in his actions to make New York the first state to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour.  I am proud to add my support as he calls upon the state legislature to advance these efforts to improve livelihoods for millions of hardworking New Yorkers. This issue is about basic economic fairness and social justice and is one of the many ways that New York must continue to lead the nation.  Both the Senate and Assembly should make a $15 minimum wage a reality next year."

Ben Jealous, civic leader and former President and CEO of the NAACP
“A fair increase in the minimum wage is long overdue. For too long workers have been driven deeper into poverty due to a wage that cannot support their minimal needs. Raising the minimum wage to $15 would have an enormous impact on the thousands of workers who depend on it to support their families and I applaud Governor Cuomo’s bold vision to make this a reality.”

Juan Cartagena, President & General Counsel of LatinoJustice PRLDEF
“Latino Justice PRLDEF supports this effort to raise the minimum wage for low-wage workers many of whom in New York are Latino workers. This helps the employees, their families and the economy and places the spotlight deservedly on the failure of the private sector to alleviate the pressing conditions of the working poor.”

Donna Lieberman, Executive Director of the New York Civil Liberties Union
“Raising the minimum wage is an important, long overdue step toward making it possible for thousands of hard working New Yorkers to support their families. We should do it without delay.”

Margaret Fung, Executive Director of the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund
“Too many families work at minimum wage jobs and are unable to afford basic necessities, such as rent. Governor Cuomo’s push to raise the minimum wage to $15/hr is important for Asian American communities in New York, especially immigrant workers who are stuck in low-wage jobs. Increasing the minimum wage, together with vigorous enforcement of labor laws, is an important step toward securing a living wage for all New Yorkers."

Bertha Lewis, prominent activist, President and Founder of the Black Institute
“New York is home to hard working families who work hard to make ends meet, but are kept down by the current minimum wage. By fighting to raise the minimum wage to $15, the Governor is tackling New York’s poverty problem head-on and I am proud to stand behind him in this effort. This is a turning point in the fight for economic justice and a true sign of New York’s leadership."

Dolores Huerta, renowned labor leader and civil rights activist
“Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour will have an enormous impact on the millions of workers that depend on it to support their families. For too long those hard-working New Yorkers have been put further into poverty due to a wage that cannot sustain the minimal needs. That is unacceptable in today’s world – and New York should lead the way forward to a better economic climate for workers. I applaud Governor Cuomo’s bold vision to raise the wage and will stand alongside him in the fight to make this a reality.”

Christine Owens, Executive Director of the National Employment Law Project
“Like the New Deal and the War on Poverty, Governor Cuomo’s call to have New York lead in adopting a $15 minimum wage is a historic milestone in helping our wealthy nation live up to its ideal of shared prosperity.  It’s a fitting tribute to the late Governor Mario Cuomo who reminded us that a society is judged by how its least powerful members fare.   The fact that too many jobs in our economy just don’t pay enough is the economic and moral challenge of our time.  A $15 minimum wage would realign pay with living costs for up to 3 million New Yorkers— 37% of the state’s workforce— for whom the American dream has fallen out of reach.”

Melanie Hartzog, Executive Director of the Children's Defense Fund-New York
“Poverty hurts children and our state’s future. Governor Cuomo’s proposal to increase the minimum wage to $15 per-hour will lift thousands of children out of poverty and provide economic security to hard working families that are struggling to make ends meet.”

Joan Entmacher, Vice President for Family Economic Security at the National Women’s Law Center
“For the women who make up most of New York’s low-wage workforce, and the families who depend on their earnings, this increase in the minimum wage would mean the end of poverty-level wages—and a real shot at a better life.”

Heather McGhee, President of Demos
"Incredibly, working a full-time job is no longer a guarantee that you will be able to afford basic necessities—much less provide for your family. We applaud Governor Cuomo’s leadership in calling for a $15 minimum wage, and the community and labor groups who have worked tirelessly to make this a reality. This proposal will lift the living standards for the many families who have been struggling to stay afloat and will bring us one large step closer to a more equitable New York.”

Sheena Wright, President and CEO of United Way of New York City
“United Way of New York City applauds Governor Cuomo’s $15 hour minimum wage campaign.  The 2014 self-sufficiency standard showed that more than two out of five New York City households cannot afford their basic needs while 83% of them have at least one working adult.  As UWNYC works to move more New Yorkers to self-sufficiency, we strongly endorse this important step of raising the wage floor to a level that is closer to today’s costs of living.”

Arva Rice, President and CEO of the New York Urban League, Inc.
"A higher minimum wage is crucial to giving millions of hard-working New Yorkers the respect and economic parity they deserve. Governor Cuomo is right to fight for this much-needed increase, and I am proud to see the Mario Cuomo Economic Justice campaign moving forward on this important policy. A $15 minimum wage would lift millions of people out of poverty and help them build brighter futures - it is time that we raised the wage."

Samuel Brooke, Deputy Legal Director of the Southern Poverty Law Center
“Raising the minimum wage is crucial to helping millions of hard-working people gain a stronger economic footing. Minimum wages should be living wages, and nobody who works a full-time job should have to rely on government assistance to provide for themselves and their families.  We are glad to see Governor Cuomo's leadership on this issue.”

Steven Choi, Executive Director of the New York Immigration Coalition
“We applaud Governor Cuomo for standing up for New York’s workers. New York’s most vulnerable workers, many of whom are immigrants, seek to benefit from this important first step towards ensuring that all people have access to a fair, living wage. New York’s pivotal move in the right direction is a signal to all States that a living wage is a necessity and we look forward to working with New York State to ensuring that the rights of all workers remain a high priority.”

Jessica González-Rojas, Executive Director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health
"As a leader of an organization that fights for health, dignity and justice for Latinas and their families, we know that higher wages will help ensure that workers can afford food, rent, healthcare, and other necessities. It will also help the economy, by putting more money in the pockets of workers who will spend it to support their families. For women--who make up a majority of New York's low wage workers--low wages often mean forgoing your own healthcare to save money for the family. We now have a real opportunity to see change. We join women and families from across New York to support the Mario Cuomo Campaign for Economic Justice and urge public officials to listen to the voices of workers who have been speaking out for more than two years to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour. The time is now!"

Andrew Friedman, Co-Executive Director of the Center for Popular Democracy
“Living on the current minimum wage in New York is not only impossible, it condemns our hardworking families to a future of poverty. Under the leadership of Governor Cuomo, New York is making a dramatic move towards the economic justice that our workers have been deprived of for far too long. I commend this historic move and I look forward to the difference it will make in the lives of thousands of hardworking families in New York.” 

Miriam Yeung, Executive Director of the National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum
“The National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum applauds the efforts of Governor Cuomo and other state leaders to raise the state minimum wage to $15 per hour. Despite being employed at rates higher than other major racial groups, New York is home to over 50,000 Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women who struggle in poverty and one in three AAPI women overall earn less that a $15 minimum wage. Women, children, and families suffer as a result. It's time to raise the minimum wage in New York State.”

Nathan Schaefer, Executive Director of the Empire State Pride Agenda
“We applaud Governor Cuomo for joining the surging movement for fair wages and pledging his support to raise New York’s minimum wage to $15 an hour. Today’s abysmally low minimum wage is like an anchor dragging workers all across the Empire State into poverty. Many of those workers are LGBT and already face workplace discrimination and other challenges to their ability to earn a living as a result of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Raising the minimum wage is a necessary step toward empowering all workers with the resources they need to thrive.”

Chris Kui, Executive Director of Asian Americans for Equality

“Raising the minimum wage is not just about helping hard working New Yorkers get by -- it’s about helping them fight for the American Dream and making sure that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. What our Governor is doing is giving hope to those who deserve just and fair compensation, and I am proud to stand with him in this pivotal fight for economic justice.”

Charles King, President & CEO of Housing Works
“Raising the minimum wage is a vital step towards removing barriers to wellness and opportunity for all New Yorkers, especially our most vulnerable citizens, such as low-income people living with HIV or those at greatest risk for infection, including youth, the poor, and those who are homeless or unstably housed. What we are accomplishing under our Governor sends a strong message that there is no limit in what we can achieve. Together, we are building a stronger New York and making a real difference for the most marginalized New Yorkers among us.”

Brent A. Wilkes, National Executive Director for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
“Those who work in low-earning jobs cannot fully pursue the American Dream, but with Governor Cuomo’s push to raise the minimum wage to $15, we are well on our way towards making it possible. The working people of New York State are fortunate to have a Governor who recognizes that a fair increase in the minimum wage can help our communities thrive. I am proud to see New York leading the way and I am confident it will set an example for the rest of the nation to follow.”

Hector Sanchez, Executive Director of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement
“The Latino Community understands the value of hard work, but unfortunately, there are too many hardworking individuals who struggle to get by on the minimum wage. Latino workers deserve a compensation that allows them to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. New York has made substantial advancements in securing a wage that reflects and respects their hard work and I am confident that what New York has achieved will continue to make a difference in the lives of our community’s hardest workers.”

SUNY Board Chairman H. Carl McCall
"The State University of New York is proud to ensure that anyone working on a state-operated SUNY campus continues to be paid at least minimum wage, including all full-time staff as well as students participating in work study programs. We look forward to joining Governor Cuomo in setting a model for state entities and public university systems across the country."

SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher
“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. 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.”

CEO of Amalgamated Bank Keith Mestrich 
“Every business in New York State has a stake in seeing our economy grow, and raising the minimum wage is one of the best ways to do just that. Amalgamated Bank was proud to raise its own minimum wage to $15 per hour in August of last year. Doing so told our employees that we value them, showed our customers that we are committed to empowering people, and put real money into the local economies in which we operate. The New York State legislature should pass Governor Cuomo’s precedent-setting proposal and raise the wage for all New York workers. It’s the right thing to do, and it’s just good business.”

Cynthia D. DiBartolo, Chairperson, Greater New York Chamber of Commerce
“Raising the minimum wage boosts the wages of affected workers and the economy benefits from the increased spending. This is exactly the catalyst that will keep businesses in this great state growing, reduce inequity, and empower consumers with a larger wallet to spend more money in their community. An increased minimum wage is the right move for businesses and workers alike.”

Jeff Furman, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream
“Fair pay is a crucial part of the recipe for success at Ben & Jerry’s. We’ve paid a living wage for more than 20 years, sparing our employees the struggle of trying to make it on wages that don’t even cover basic expenses. In return, our company is spared the cost of high employee turnover. Instead, our bottom line is boosted by good company morale, greater worker retention and commitment, and more satisfied customers.”

David Bronner, CEO of Dr. Bronner’s
“When a person working 40 hours a week can’t cover the basic costs of living, there’s something deeply wrong with our economic system. Paying workers fairly isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s what makes our communities and businesses thrive.”

Jon Cooper, President and Co-Owner, Spectronics Corporation
“Raising the minimum wage encourages better business practices. An inadequate minimum wage fits the old adage, ‘Penny wise and pound foolish.’ Employers who invest in their workforce have employees who are more invested in the company and in satisfying its customers. A higher minimum wage will result in increased employee retention, lower hiring and training costs, fewer mistakes that cost time and money, and increased productivity.”

Jan Rhodes Norman, Owner of Silk Oak and Ithacamade
“Many of the big chains count on responsible employers and taxpayers to subsidize them by providing food stamps and other public assistance to their workers who can’t make ends meet on poverty wages. Raising the minimum wage to a more realistic level helps level the playing field for Main Street businesses like mine who believe in treating our employees fairly and investing in the communities in which we live, work, and do business.”

David Levine, CEO of the American Sustainable Business Council
“Raising the minimum wage addresses the largest problem business leaders see with today’s economy: weak consumer demand. We support raising New York’s minimum wage to $15 to strengthen our wage base, businesses, and economy for sustainable job creation.”