Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River) attended a press conference yesterday regarding the proposed increase of the state’s minimum wage and the disastrous consequences an increase would have on the state’s economy. The event, held by the Assembly Minority Conference, discussed the unintended effects raising the minimum wage would have on small business, agriculture, employment of New York’s youth and some alternative plans.

"Increasing the minimum wage would be devastating to our economy in the North Country and Mohawk Valley and similar communities around the state,” said Blankenbush. “A raise of the minimum wage to $15 per hour will decimate the agriculture industry in this state and it will also place such a strain on not-for-profits that I don’t see how those can survive either.”

Blankenbush also questioned Gov. Cuomo on what the overall plan for business in this state is. “The governor’s motto is that ‘New York is open for business.’ Between the overburdening taxes, regulations and now the proposed $15 minimum wage, I’m not quite sure what businesses he is talking about. It certainly isn’t small, mom-and-pop shops.”

“The Assembly Minority Conference and I want to help those living in poverty and larger rebates on income taxes are the answer. This will allow us to give assistance to those living in poverty claiming head of household while not burdening business owners with excessive employee wage requirements. This will also allow employers to continue hiring our community’s youth, giving them real world work experience,” Blankenbush said.