Rally to support minimum wage increase

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - State Senator Tim Kennedy is urging lawmakers to raise the minimum wage. He says too many people are struggling with low wages, and it’s time to change it. The state senator and community leaders will rally Friday at the Gloria J. Parks Community Center.

Kennedy says too many families are struggling with low wages. Someone living on a minimum wage income, only makes $14,616 a year. Governor Andrew Cuomo says it’s unbelievable.

That’s why both lawmakers are pushing to increase the minimum wage. Senator Kennedy wants to raise it from $7.25 to $8.50, a quarter less than Cuomo’s proposal.

News 4 had a chance to talk to a local business owner about this. He says they are for it, even if it means some of them might have to raise their prices.

Nick’s Place owner Peter Ananiadis said, “Everybody raises prices anyway. You don’t have to raise it much. What is going to cost actually? How many employers do you have, five, ten? Even if it goes up, what is it going to go up, 50 cents? If a restaurant is successful people will be willing to pay.”

The rally will be held Friday at 10 a.m. It’s a public rally, so if you want to join in and support it, the rally is at 3242 Main Street.