If minimum wage increases by $1.50, would folks in Bedford and Katonah feel any sort of impact?
A few business owners say the hike—which Gov. Andrew Cuomo is suggesting in his budget plans for 2013-2014— would not affect them.
Ann Luria, owner of Steger's Paper Mill, and Adam Ottly, owner of Katonah Wine & Liquors, both said they pay employees more than the current minimum wage, $7.25. The proposed is $8.75.
"I just hired two college students and started them at $12 an hour," Ottly said, adding that he would support the increase. "Who could do anything with $7.25 an hour? Hell, who could do anything for 8.75?"
Glenn Ascher, proprietor at Katonah Shipping & Business Center, doubts that the change would have a big impact locally.
"It's just a more expensive area," he said. "It's a standard of living. Kids driving BMWs are not going to work for six bucks an hour."
