New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has relentlessly worked to enact a statewide $15 minimum wage, but the true aim of the campaign is to lay the groundwork for a future presidential run, according to a New York Post report.
Cuomo has been at the forefront of an initiative to raise the statewide minimum wage to $15 an hour in a bid to fight income inequality. Sources told the New York Post Monday his initiative is really to get recognition by party leadership and set in motion a potential presidential run. The first step for a prospective run would be an invite to deliver the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention in July, according to the report.
“It’s pretty obvious what Andrew is up to featuring pictures of himself and his father giving the keynote,” an unnamed Democratic insider told the New York Post. “He’s saying he’s looking to deliver the next keynote himself.”
Cuomo could earn national praise by touting his minimum wage plan at the national convention. He introduced a proposal designed to phase in the increase statewide over a few years and campaigned nonstop for the policy. His own father, Mario Cuomo, was considered a potential presidential candidate when he spoke at the convention 32 years ago, though he ultimately opted not to run. His father also worked on issues like income inequality.
“There’s no doubt Andrew would like to follow in his father’s footsteps and deliver the keynote at the convention,” another unnamed Democratic insider stated. “And then do what his father wouldn’t do — run for president.’’
The statewide minimum wage is currently at $9.00 an hour. Cuomo has given numerous speeches and has traveled around the state on a campaign-style road trip to advocate for his proposal. He has also used his executive authority to bypass the legislature to raise wages for fast-food workers, state university workers and state employees.
Those in support of the policy argue it could help address income inequality, but critics aren’t so sure. Low-income workers may end up earning more money, but employers may also cutback workforces to overcome the added cost of labor. Studies have shown both negative and positive effects.
The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has found any increase in the minimum wage will likely result in at least some job loss. The higher the increase, the more intense the projection. Cuomo has also proposed and implemented a number of tax cuts to help relieve costs for small businesses in the state.
Cuomo did not respond to a request for comment by The Daily Caller News Foundation.
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