Local Organizations Applaud Introduction of Resolution Calling for Minimum Wage Increase in Tompkins County
Raise Up NY, Tompkins County Workers Center, Back Resolution Calling for Higher County Minimum Wage as Cost of Living Soars
ITHACA, NY – On July 8, Tompkins County legislators introduced a resolution in the Tompkins County Legislature calling to raise the minimum wage in the County to a living wage, as residents continue to face a cost of living crisis. Supported by Raise Up NY, Tompkins County Worker Center, and others, the resolution follows the passage of last year’s state minimum wage increase, which is poised to raise the minimum wage to just $17/hr downstate and $16/hr upstate by 2026.
The living wage in Tompkins County has soared 11% since last year, the highest spike since the Great Recession. A study by Cornell’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations found that $18.45 per hour is now considered the minimum income level needed for residents to adequately afford shelter, food and other necessities, significantly higher than the $16 New York’s minimum wage law outlines for upstate localities.
“Our communities and our economy are much more stable when people have their basic needs met. For those who have the ability and autonomy to work for pay, a living wage is a necessary piece of meeting those basic needs. When businesses—including corporations headquartered out of town—try to save money by paying workers a bare minimum, the whole community pays the costs through the ripple effects of poverty, on top of the hardships and indignity suffered by the underpaid workers themselves”, said Veronica Pillar, Tompkins County Legislator, District 2.
“To expect those of us workers with exceedingly high rents, as well as overall cost of living, to make ends meet in Tompkins County is grossly unfair to the whole lot of us who are busting our butts trying to make ends meet. The time is NOW to raise the minimum wage in Tompkins County in a way that is a LIVING wage! Give us a chance to live in a more relaxed way”, says Pete Meyers, Director of the Tompkins County Workers’ Center.
“Too many upstate workers are living in poverty because New York’s minimum wage is not keeping up with the skyrocketing costs on rent, utilities, groceries and more. The Tompkins County resolution for a higher minimum wage is the right step forward for working families and is the best way to address the cost-of-living crisis. We are encouraged to see local legislators taking the initiative to stand up for upstate workers in their localities. This is not only great news for Tompkins County workers but for all New Yorkers who want a fair, dignified wage, ” said Tal Frieden, Raise Up NY coalition spokesperson and ALIGN campaign manager.
“I have coworkers in their 60s and 70s who are working multiple jobs to make ends meet. Many of us can’t afford to live in the community where we work–we can barely afford to live at all. Cornell AND the community must do right by the hard-working people who keep it running. A liveable wage is really not too much to ask for”, said Stephanie Heslop, Cafeteria worker at Cornell University.
“A living wage is important to me because it means being able to cover my basic needs without constant financial stress. It allows me to afford essentials like rent, groceries, healthcare, and education. With a living wage, I can enjoy a better quality of life, pursue my goals, and have the peace of mind to focus on my personal and professional growth. It also means being able to contribute more actively to my community and support others, fostering a sense of security and fairness for everyone”, said Ronneisha Butler, Tompkins County Worker
New York localities have not moved to pass higher local minimum wages since a 1962 court decision invalidated a higher NYC min wage on the grounds that it was preempted by state law. With cost of living continuing to soar, the court decision has faced heavy scrutiny in recent years, especially as scores of cities and counties across the country have passed higher local minimum wages to address local costs and needs.
Workers across the country are being squeezed by rising prices and low pay. In states like New York, where cost of living is so extreme that full-time workers are being pushed to take on second jobs, the new resolution highlights the importance of localities having the ability to determine what is best for their workers. By ensuring their residents are receiving a living wage, localities can both aid working families and the local economy.
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