
ALBANY – STATE SEN. JULIA Salazar is set to announce her Living Wage for All legislation on Tuesday at a rally in Albany, joined by state Sen. Zellnor Myrie, other lawmakers and advocates. Salazar’s bill would establish a $30 statewide minimum wage, tied to the cost of living. Another bill in the legislative package would eliminate the tipped minimum wage for restaurant workers.
Supporters say the dramatic hike in the minimum wage, currently set at $16 statewide and $17 in the metro area, is necessary to help low-wage workers keep up with skyrocketing costs.
Opponents argue that the increase in wages would lead to inflation and would cause small businesses to struggle.
Research into an earlier proposal to raise the minimum wage for human services workers to $29 indicated that while the measure could cost the state $11 billion, it could generate between $14 and $23 billion in economic activity, as well as nearly $1 billion in increased tax revenue.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, an ally of Salazar, has endorsed the idea of a $30 minimum wage in New York City by 2030, according to City & State.
✰✰✰












SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.

ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.