With the minimum wage having gone up Dec. 31 and talk from the governor about raising it to $15 per hour statewide, a North Country assemblywoman says she is “optimistic” the 2016 budget will include a “common sense minimum wage deal.”

“There appears to be momentum building towards a common sense minimum wage deal that addresses the needs of local businesses and nonprofits,” said Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa. “With the Governor’s State of the State and annual budget address scheduled next week, I believe this year’s budget season is the best time for the legislature to enact a minimum wage increase that gives employers financial stability while supporting the needs of employees.”

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

The minimum wage went up Dec. 31 in St. Lawrence County and the rest of New York.

The statewide minimum wage went up to $9 per hour and $9.75 per hour for fast food workers at chains with more than 30 locations nationwide.

Tipped hospitality workers will get a $7.50 per hour minimum wage

“No one who works full time should ever be condemned to a life of poverty,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a prepared statement, adding that he is pushing for a $15 per hour minimum wage.

Failure to comply with increased minimum wages can result in fines, charges and civil or criminal punishment, Cuomo said.

The Department of Labor, which enforces the minimum wage law, has fact sheets, frequently asked questions and additional resources for all employers and employees at www.labor.ny.gov/minimumwage.

“The Department of Labor works with employees to help them understand their rights and also works with businesses to ensure they know their responsibilities,” said Acting State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “I strongly encourage anyone with questions to use our Department’s resources to make sure they’re being paid the right wage, or paying workers properly and won’t be penalized.”

The department will also provide one-on-one support and what Cuomo calls “a streamlined reporting process to help businesses understand and come into compliance with the new rate.”

A business in need of assistance or a worker with questions or who is looking to file a complaint should call (888) 469-7365.