New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is raising the minimum wage for state workers in New York to $15 an hour,
The New York Times reports.
It will be the highest wage for any state workers in the country.
Cuomo, a Democrat, is using his executive authority to raise the wages in a move that is opposed by the state legislature's Republicans.
The rise in wages will be gradual, giving public employees in New York City the $15 total by 2018 and those in the rest of the state by 2021. The higher cost of living in New York City was given as the reason for raising the wage there before the rest of the state.
The move will affect a total of 10,000 workers, including lifeguards, office assistants and custodial staff.
"I believe that if you work hard and work full time, you should not be condemned to live in poverty," Cuomo said in a prepared statement ahead of the formal announcement expected Tuesday.
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