Workers React to NY Minimum Wage Increase

New York's minimum wage increased from $8.00 to $8.75 on Wednesday. But workers think the increase could go further. 

The new minimum wage is expected to affect some 700 thousand workers across the state. Some workers in the Bronx said they're happy with the increase, but still think it's not enough. 

Opponents of a higher minimum wage have said New York's increase will create additional costs for employers.  But supporters believe the hike would remedy some of the problems associated with not making a living wage.

Anjelyn Lucena is a retail associate at the clothing store TJ Maxx in the Bronx. She is a minimum wage worker who was happy her wages increased, but still thinks more could be done.

"Honestly, I hope it raises more than $8.75. At least $9.50. But yeah, it's a lot better than $8.00," Lucena said.

Lucena's thoughts are shared by Tinisha Miller, a Bronx mother who used to support herself and her children by working a minimum wage job.  She said she can afford to be a stay at home now, but Miller said times were tough before. 

"You can barely make your rent, much less pay your bills and everyday incidentals like tissues, dish washing liquid, soap," Miller said.

Miller said even the new minimum wage is too little to live on in New York City, saying it should be raised to at least $10 an hour.

"You can at least pay your bills. That's the least we can do, nothing more, nothing less," Miller said.

Minimum wage is going to be raised again at the end of the year to $9.00 by the end of 2015.  It could go even higher if lawmakers pass legislation in the new year.

Starting Thursday, the minimum wage in New Jersey will increase from $8.25 to $8.38.  In Connecticut, it will go from $8.70 to $9.15.