Contact: Michael Fraser, (518) 455-3751
"While I maintain that the proposed minimum wage increase is a public policy issue that should be left out of the budget deliberations, I am encouraged that the concept of a training wage is part of the conversation.
The cost of doing business in New York State is already too high. In order to stimulate job creation and provide fiscal relief to job creators, it is incumbent upon State Leaders to deliver innovative programs, rather than more costly mandates.
I have sponsored legislation (A.5359, Kolb) that would establish a training wage for young employees entering the workforce for the first time. Workers under the age of 18 with no previous job experience would receive a training wage equal to 85 percent of the minimum wage.
I have always felt that a training wage would put more young people into the workforce and give them critical job experience. In addition, as we look for new ways to boost economic recovery, this provides a way to ease the financial burdens on small business owners who are the backbone of our local economies."