Andrew Cuomo on Jobs

	Andrew Cuomo on Jobs Democratic Governor

Raise minimum wage to $15, for economic justice

There is an unhealthy income inequality gap that is only growing. I say lift up the poor and the working families of this state and pay a real decent wage that honors FDR's original intent and promise. We can raise the minimum wage to $15 and we can show this nation what real economic justice means. Now, my $15 proposal is reasonable. And it is phased in over an amount of time to allow our economy to grow and to adjust to expand the number of people participating in that success. Source: 2016 State of the State speech to New York legislature , Jan 13, 2016

Require paid family leave, like 182 other countries

People have children and mothers run the risk of losing their job if they stay home with their child. Out of 185 countries, the United States is one of just three that does not have paid maternity leave. We should have a paid leave program, paid for by employees, who can get twelve weeks of pay. At the end of the day family matters. Intimate relationships matter and in this 24/7 world let this state make a statement of what is really important and those relationships are important. Source: 2016 State of the State speech to New York legislature , Jan 13, 2016

Reduce the crushing burden of unemployment & workers comp

We must continue to reduce costs of doing business in the New New York. We must reduce the crushing burden of unemployment insurance and workers comp. You will hear this from almost every businessman in New York. We propose a reform of the workers comp program that would streamline the system. We would also reform the unemployment insurance program by ending borrowing to pay benefits for the first time in state history. It will reduce the cost to business while also increasing the benefits to workers for the first time since 1999. And it will save $1.3 billion to business, just think about that. Source: 2013 State of the State Speech to NY Legislature , Jan 9, 2013

Current minimum wage is unlivable

The current minimum wage is unlivable. It's only $14,616. The annual cost of gasoline is $1,200. The annual cost of electricity is $1,300. The annual cost of auto insurance is $1,400. The annual cost of groceries is $6,500. The annual cost of childcare is $10,000. The annual cost of housing is $15,000 on a minimum wage of $14,000. My friends, it does not add up. Nineteen other states have raised the minimum wage; we propose raising the minimum wage to $8.75 an hour. It's the right thing to do. It's the fair thing to do. It is long overdue. We should have done it last year. Let's do it this year. Source: 2013 State of the State Speech to NY Legislature , Jan 9, 2013

Phase One casino gambling plan: three Upstate casinos

We can revitalize the Upstate economy by increasing tourism through destination resorts and casinos. The fact is that gaming already exists throughout New York State, but the state is unable to fully capitalize on it. Native Americans have five casinos, and there are nine racinos at race tracks.

This year, the Governor will propose a Phase One casino gaming plan, with the following elements:

Begin by locating up to three casinos in Upstate New York.
No casinos will be located in New York City--the plan is to bring downstate New Yorkers and other visitors to Upstate.
The Gaming Commission will pick the best locations and the plan must have local government and community support.
Any revenue raised under the plan will be split 90% for education and 10% for local property tax relief.
Casino gaming has significant potential to be a major economic engine for New York State. It is estimated that over $1 billion of economic activity can be generated from casino gaming.

Source: NY Rising 2013 State of the State booklet , Jan 9, 2013

Attack chronic unemployment among inner-city youth

We attacked chronic, high unemployment among disadvantaged inner-city youth with an innovative jobs program that will provide immediate tax credits to businesses that hire our youth and will also provide training to make sure these youths are ready for employment. We restored New York's reputation as the progressive capital of the nation. We passed landmark achievements in social justice and economic justice. Source: 2012 New York State of the State Address , Jan 4, 2012

Labor unions protect fairness at negotiation table

We believe in economic justice. We believe that anyone who works full-time should live above poverty. We believe labor unions protect fairness at the negotiation tables. Because we believe that a rising tide must lift all boats, we believe in a tax system that creates opportunities for working people and promotes economic growth; we oppose a system that is stacked in favor of the privileged few who have the wherewithal and access to put their narrow interests above the public's interest. Source: Crossroads, by Andrew Cuomo, p. 64-65 , Oct 14, 2003

Economic development must not shortchange workers’ rights

Cuomo called for unionized labor in proposed Indian-owned gambling casinos in Buffalo and Niagara Falls. “There should be a guarantee that unions can organize at the new casinos. With the current deal, there are no guarantees and that raises serious questions.” Under the tentative pact, the state would allow slot machines in the casinos in return for up to 25 percent of the revenue from them. Source: Marc Humberg, AP (Albany) , Aug 9, 2001

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*Other governors on Jobs:*			*Andrew Cuomo on other issues:*
*NY Gubernatorial:* Andrew Giuliani Joe Pinion Larry Sharpe Lee Zeldin Letitia James Rob Astorino Tom Suozzi *NY Senatorial:* Antoine Tucker Charles Schumer Joe Pinion Josh Eisen Kirsten Gillibrand Mike Sapraicone	*Gubernatorial races 2025:* *New Jersey Governor:* Democratic primary June 10, 2025: Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark (2014-present) Steven Fulop, Mayor of Jersey City (2013-present) Josh Gottheimer, U.S. Rep. NJ-5 (since 2017) Mikie Sherrill, U.S. Rep. NJ-11 (since 2019) Stephen Sweeney, N.J.Senate President (2010-2022) Republican primary June 10, 2025: Jon Bramnick, State Senator (since 2022); Minority Leader (2012-2022) Jack Ciattarelli, State Assemblyman (2011-2018), governor nominee (2021) Edward Durr, State Senator 3rd district (2022-2024); withdrew *Virginia Governor:* Democratic primary June 17 cancelled: Abigail Spanberger, U.S.Rep., VA-7 (2019-2024); Dem. nominee 2025 Levar Stoney, VA Secretary of the Commonwealth (2014-2016); (withdrew to run for Lt. Gov.) Republican primary June 17 cancelled: Winsome Earle-Sears, Lt. Gov. since 2022; GOP nominee 2025 Amanda Chase, State Senate District 11 (2016-2023); failed to make ballot Denver Riggleman, U.S.Rep. (R-VA-5); exploratory committee as Independent Glenn Youngkin, Incumbent Governor , (2022-2025), term-limited	*Mayoral races 2025:* *NYC Mayor Democratic primary June 24, 2025:* Adrienne Adams, speaker of the City Council Andrew Cuomo, former governor of New York, 2011-2021. Republican June 24 primary cancelled; general election Nov. 4: Eric Adams, incumbent Democratic mayor running as an independent Jim Walden, Independent; Former assistant U.S. Attorney Curtis Sliwa, Republican; CEO of the Guardian Angels *Jersey City Mayor (Non-partisan)* Non-partisan general election Nov. 4: Mussab Ali, former president of the Jersey City Board of Education Bill O'Dea, Hudson County commissioner (since 1997) Jim McGreevey, former N.J. Governor (2002-2004) James Solomon, city councilor (since 2017) Joyce Watterman, president of the Jersey City Council (since 2023) *Oakland CA Mayor* Non-partisan special election April 14, 2025: Barbara Lee, U.S.Rep CA-12 (1998-2025) Loren Taylor, Oakland City Council (2019-2023), lost general election Sheng Thao, Oakland Mayor, lost recall election Nov. 5, 2024	Abortion Budget/Economy Civil Rights Corporations Crime Drugs Education Energy/Oil Environment Families/Children Foreign Policy Free Trade Govt. Reform Gun Control Health Care Homeland Security Immigration Infrastructure/Technology Jobs Local Issues Principles/Values Social Security Tax Reform War/Iraq/Mideast Welfare/Poverty [Title9]