Cuomo pledges $20 minimum wage for NYC by 2027 if elected mayor

Former Democratic New York Governor Andrew Cuomo made headlines on Wednesday when he announced his plan to raise New York City’s minimum wage to $20 an hour by 2027 if elected as mayor. During a campaign rally, Cuomo addressed potential critics of his proposal, asserting that raising the minimum wage would not harm the economy.

Cuomo boldly stated, “The businesspeople are going to say, ‘Oh, no, you can’t raise the minimum wage, because that’s going to slow the economy.’ Baloney – not to use another word.” He went on to challenge the notion that such a wage increase would face political obstacles, citing his success in raising the minimum wage to $15 during his tenure as governor.

“We did it before, and we’re going to do it again,” Cuomo declared. “We raised it to $15, the highest minimum wage in the United States. And what happened when we did it? The economy went up, not down. We protected small businesses with a tax credit.”

Cuomo’s proposal comes at a time when the city’s minimum wage has already seen recent increases. In 2024, the minimum wage was raised to $16 an hour from the previous $15 set in 2018, during Cuomo’s governorship. This year, there was another 50-cent increase to the current $16.50 an hour.

The mayoral candidate’s plan to further raise the minimum wage has sparked both support and skepticism. As the frontrunner in a crowded Democratic primary field, Cuomo faces competition from state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a self-proclaimed democratic socialist. The primary election is set to take place on June 24.

Cuomo’s bold stance on the minimum wage reflects his commitment to championing economic equity and opportunity for New Yorkers. If elected as mayor, Cuomo aims to build on his track record of progressive policies and initiatives that prioritize the well-being of working families in the city.

As the mayoral race heats up, Cuomo’s proposal to raise the minimum wage to $20 an hour has become a focal point of discussion and debate. With his vision for a fairer and more prosperous city, Cuomo is positioning himself as a leader who is unafraid to tackle economic challenges head-on.

In conclusion, Cuomo’s ambitious plan to raise New York City’s minimum wage to $20 an hour underscores his commitment to advancing economic justice and prosperity for all residents. As the mayoral race unfolds, Cuomo’s proposal will continue to be a key issue that shapes the city’s future trajectory.