Plattsburgh, New York - Some workers in New York could receive a big raise.
On Monday a bill was introduced that would increase the state minimum wage by $1.25. That would make the new minimum wage in New York $8.50.
It would also increase the minimum wage each year to keep up with inflation.
"Well we wanted to do something that's both significant and reasonable in terms of not shocking the business community in New York State," says Sheldon Silver, New York State Assembly Speaker.
But already business groups worry the increase would slow job growth. New York's minimum wage has risen ten-cents in the last six years.
People who manage small businesses say their budgets don't have the money to pay employees more. They say an increase to the state's minimum wage could actually hurt workers.
At My Greek Kitchen II in Plattsburgh, New York Monday, Thomas Ales worked the line for $7.25 an hour.
"I'd love to get a raise," says Ales.
A plan to boost the state's minimum wage to $8.50 would mean an extra $100 a month for Ales.
"It would really help me out. Some days just getting here is hard with a low salary," says Ales.
"Everybody deserves to get an increase in pay but there is a second side to the story," says Peter Kritziotis, My Greek Kitchen general manager.
Kritziotis says business is down because of the economy and business costs are up.
"All meat products. All dairy products have gone up. Transportation for the deliveries have gone up because of the fuel charges," says Kritziotis.
Because of competition the general manager says there is no room to increase food prices which means a minimum wage increase could mean layoffs or cuts to workers' hours here.
The number of workers here is already down due to the lack of business. While Ales would like a raise he realizes the challenges his boss faces.
"There is not a lot of business up here you know? It makes everything hard for all these restaurants," says Ales.
The manager says he is concerned that if he has to reduce hours he might lose talented employees, the very ones he is hopeful he will need when the economy and business picks up.
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