Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, is among a majority of Assembly members who voted to increase New York's minimum wage to $12.60 by 2018.

“Too many working New Yorkers struggle to make ends meet, forcing them to choose between buying groceries or filling their gas tank," Russell said.

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

The state’s current minimum wage is $8.75 per hour, which has fallen far below the average hourly wage in the State. In 2012, the Governor signed legislation into law that increased the minimum wage from $7.25 to $9 incrementally by Dec. 31, 2015 to better align with the cost of living. Russell supported and sponsored that bill.

However, as the cost of living in New York continues to rise, the governor proposes to again increase the minimum wage to increase earnings for many wage earners in low-income households, which will also aid local economies.

"Today, with North Country families in mind, I helped pass legislation to raise the minimum wage, Russell said. The Assembly majority is fighting on behalf of those who work full time but still struggle. This bill supports employees here in the North Country to earn a living wage, which will also boost our local economy.”

Gov. Cuomo’s "Fight for Fair Pay" campaign proposal would raise minimum wage from $8.75 an hour to $10.50 throughout the state and $11.50 in New York City.