Coalition fighting $15 minimum wage in NY continues to grow

February 26, 2016 Associated Press

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a rally to raise the minimum wage on Thursday in Albany. Cuomo is continuing his push to raise the minimum wage to $15. AP Photo/Mike Groll

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A business-backed coalition fighting Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposed $15-an-hour minimum wage is growing.

The Minimum Wage Reality Check Campaign says Friday that it has added 18 new members, including the Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance, the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County and the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The coalition now comprises 50 organizations opposed to the Democratic governor’s plan to gradually raise the wage from $9 to $15.

Cuomo has been joining labor groups in a statewide tour designed to drum up support for the increase, which he says will help working families make ends meet while injecting more cash into local economies.

Critics say the wage boost will increase prices, reduce jobs and hurt the overall economy.

Lawmakers are expected to vote on the measure in the coming months.