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Cuomo floats plan to help farmers afford a $15 minimum wage

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Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he’s working on a proposal to give New York farmers a break should the State Senate agree to a plan to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour.

Cuomo says he’s putting together a “special modification” for the agricultural industry to help offset potential costs of increasing the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour.

“There are special conditions on farms, we understand that,” Cuomo said  after an event in Niagara Falls. “And we’re putting together a special package for farmers. Because they pose a unique problem.”

The governor did not provide details. The state’s Farm Bureau responded, saying it “appreciates that the governor recognizes the serious challenges farmers would face with a $15 minimum wage,” but says members remain opposed to the increase at this time, because they worry it would create economic hardships for small businesses.

Karen DeWitt is Capitol Bureau Chief for New York State Public Radio, a network of 10 public radio stations in New York State. She has covered state government and politics for the network since 1990.
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