Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, now a candidate for New York City mayor, has proposed raising the city’s minimum wage to $20 per hour by 2027. The plan, unveiled during a campaign rally and detailed in official statements, aims to address the rising cost of living and improve affordability for working families across the five boroughs.
Cuomo’s proposal would increase wages for approximately 800,000 workers currently eligible for the state’s minimum wage. The current rate stands at $16.50 per hour and is set to reach $17 by 2026. Cuomo’s $20 target exceeds the projected inflation-adjusted minimum wage, which is expected to be around $17.50 by 2027 under existing laws. He also advocates for a cost-of-living study to be conducted by city officials by January 2027 to guide future wage adjustments.
Cuomo also plans to introduce a Small Business Adjustment Tax Credit to support employers with 10 or fewer full-time workers. This credit would cover up to 30% of the additional wage costs, gradually decreasing over time to help small businesses transition smoothly.
At a rally attended by approximately 400 union members, Cuomo dismissed concerns that raising the minimum wage would harm the economy. “The businesspeople are going to say, ‘Oh, no, you can’t raise the minimum wage, because that’s going to slow the economy,’” he explained. Cuomo dismissed the claim as “baloney – not to use another word.” Looking back at the $15 wage increase under his governorship, he stressed that critics who warned it would hurt the economy were proven wrong, as it actually boosted economic growth.
Several prominent labor unions have voiced their support for Cuomo’s plan, representing over 76,000 workers in New York City. The Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union stated, “Andrew Cuomo is the clear choice for this moment,” highlighting his leadership in establishing the nation’s first $15 minimum wage and other worker protections.
John Costa, International President of the Amalgamated Transit Union, said their members “deserve a mayor who matches their commitment to the five boroughs,” highlighting Cuomo’s focus on affordability and public safety.
Rob Newell, President of UFCW Local 1500, said, “No one should have to choose between paying rent or putting food on the table—but hundreds of thousands do, every single day.” He added, “That’s why we need Andrew Cuomo as our next mayor,” emphasizing the urgent need for government action to address the city’s affordability crisis and build a safer, more affordable New York City for all.
Cuomo highlighted the broader goal of his proposal: “If you work full time, you should have the opportunity to live a decent life.” He described the wage increase as “an aggressive, progressive action that will help hourly workers and stimulate the economy” and pledged to build upon his previous efforts to improve affordability and opportunity in the city.
