Assemblywoman Addie Russell says she wants to see the minimum wage increased statewide, not just in the fast food industry.

On July 22, the state labor commissioner’s fast food wage board voted to increase the industry’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2021.

"While I am supportive of increasing New York's minimum wage to ensure no one working full-time lives in poverty, the Wage Board's unilateral increase targeting only one industry is not the appropriate way forward. Raising the minimum wage for fast food workers alone may create instability in New York's job market and is unfair to employers and employees in other fields," Russell said. "I supported legislation (A.7257) last year that would have increased the minimum wage across the state and tied future increases to the rate of inflation. I stand by my support of a living wage for all New Yorkers - not just for one industry - and I will continue to support workers in the years to come."

Her 116th Assembly District includes all St. Lawrence County communities along the St. Lawrence River, plus Potsdam and Canton.

The wage hike is subject to a 15-day public comment period and approval by Acting State Labor Commissioner Mario J. Musolino.

According to the wage board’s decision, the raise will be spread incrementally over the next six years. The minimum wage should be increased to $9.75 on December 31, 2015, $10.75 on December 31, 2016, $11.75 on December 31, 2017, $12.75 on December 31, 2018, $13.75 on December 31, 2019, $14.50 on December 31, 2020, and $15.00 on July 1, 2021, according to a statement from Musolino’s office.

The board define “fast food chain” as meaning fast food establishments that are part of chains that have 30 or more locations nationally.