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Feedback: Increasing The Minimum Wage?

Story Published: Mar 6, 2013 at 5:24 PM EDT

Story Updated: Mar 6, 2013 at 7:27 PM EDT

Minimum wage jobs could soon pay $9 an hour with automatic yearly increases. 

The state Assembly approved the minimum wage hike.

Democrats, including the north country's Addie Russell, were on board. 

She says it would be an economic boost to the entire state.

"It will provide more wages in the hands of folks that we know will spend that money immediately, so it will put more money into circulation," said Assemblywoman Russell (D. - 116th District).

But, is a higher minimum wage a job killer? 

The director of the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce wonders.

"As we're creating more jobs, hopefully this doesn't distract from that happening, because I think it's important that businesses continue to hire individuals versus just keeping individuals there and having to increase their minimum wage," said Lynn Pietroski.

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R. - 117th District) worries about the north country's number one industry.

"This is going to drastically, drastically, hurt our dairy farmers," he said.

The state Senate would also have to pass the increase and there are more Republicans over there. 

But those Republicans are pushing something of their own - a $2 billion tax cut package. 

You might see some negotiations that end with both sides getting at least some of they want.

 

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Wednesday, May 22, 2013
, Watertown, NY

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