The push by Mr. Cuomo, a Democrat, comes after he moved earlier this year to boost the minimum wage for fast-food workers in the state. The state’s minimum hourly wage across all industries is now $8.75 and is set to increase to $9 at year’s end..
Several U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle, have passed measures to raise their minimum wages to $15 an hour, though they won’t reach that level for years. Lawmakers in Oregon and California also are contemplating setting their statewide hourly level as high as $15. The highest current statewide hourly wage is $9.47, in Washington state..
In announcing his effort, Mr. Cuomo will get a high-profile backer: Vice President Joe Biden, who is considering a presidential run and who is set to appear with the governor at the Thursday news conference. The White House has come out in favor of a $12 minimum wage but has said little about $15 an hour..
