Both New York State And Federal $15 Minimum Wage Bills May Be Introduced Soon

As the fight for 15 picks up momentum across the country, New York City could be next. After Los Angeles passed a law that would raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2020, New York City mayor Bill de Blasio hinted that New York may follow suit. Now it looks like New York State might be taking steps to make the dramatically increased minimum wage a reality. The New York State legislative panel on fast food wages is expected to propose a new $15 minimum wage recommendation by Wednesday, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The rumors of a minimum wage hike in New York have left many franchisees concerned that they will be let go as a result. The current state minimum wage is $8.75.

"We're all scared, I have to admit," franchise owner David Sutz, 58, who co-owns four Burger Kings, told The Wall Street Journal. "We in the New York market are very, very concerned that a lot of us may not survive over the next year."

At the same time, presidential candidate Bernie Sanders and Reps. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) and Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) are expected to introduce a bill on Wednesday that would raise the national minimum wage to $15 per hour, according to The Hill.

"The simple truth is that working people cannot survive on the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, or $8 an hour or $9 an hour," Sanders said. "If people work 40 hours a week, they deserve not to live in dire poverty."