Dear Friend,

Right now, my colleagues in Albany and I are working on the budget. 

The budget is two weeks late as we are negotiating with the governor on key issues including housing and public safety. As you know, my top priority this year is the #RaiseTheWageAct.

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On Friday morning, I went on Good Day New York to talk about why increasing the minimum wage matters so much to our community. You can click on the picture or check out this link to see the show. 

Everyone knows that costs are rising now and working people are getting squeezed. Minimum wage is an obvious solution to the cost crunch, but it would also help bring down crime and improve revenue for businesses. 

Studies show that crimes of poverty drop when wages go up. Our business leaders have also told us they support my #RaiseTheWage legislation. Indexing wage increases to inflation will make it easier for businesses to plan their expenses. It will also mean they have more customers since working people will have more to spend!

Right now, it looks like we will see a minimum wage increase in the budget, the question is how much. It has been way too long since workers have had a raise and I firmly believe we need to start the increases now to make up for lost time. 

Please share this video to help spread the word and let your friends and family know that it is time to #RaiseTheWage. 

Thanks so much for your support. 

In service, 

Jessica Ramos