Cuomo’s fast food wage hike plan sidesteps lawmakers

Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to hike the minimum wage for fast food workers in a plan that does not need approval from state lawmakers.
According to a 2013 report, fast food workers are twice as likely to be receiving public assistance compared with all working families. Gov. Cuomo says that's just not right.
"I don't want the taxpayers to subsidize the fast food industry anymore," said Cuomo.
The state Legislature has refused to go along with the governor's plan to raise the minimum wage for all workers. Gov. Cuomo is now asking the state Labor Department's wage board to look at pay for fast food workers. If the board decides to raise their wages, it will not need approval by the Legislature.
Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos issued a statement saying he is concerned with the governor's plan to unilaterally increase the state's minimum wage through a wage board.
There will be two public hearings on the issue. One will take place in Buffalo. The other with be in New York City. The board's final recommendation is expected by July.