ALBANY — One of the most potentially consequential proposals in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s State of the State address last week would require the minimum wage to rise with inflation annually for hundreds of thousands of workers to “tackle the affordability crisis head-on.”

Supporters argue her proposal to “index” the minimum wage to inflation would not only serve fairness and social justice, but boost the economy by putting more cash into the hands of consumers and help more New Yorkers to leave social services.

But big unknowns remain.

Among them are whether the proposal will cost some low-wage workers their jobs because employers, particularly small businesses, can’t afford the cost of frequent increases. Another is whether the proposal will fuel more inflation, exacerbating the economic pain of the working poor as well as employers.

WHAT TO KNOW

• Gov. Hochul is proposing to require the minimum wage, currently $15 an hour in the donwstate area, to rise annually with inflation.
• Supporters say her proposal to “index” the minimum wage to inflation would not only serve fairness and social justice, but boost the economy.
• Others worry that the measure could cost some low-wage workers their jobs because employers can’t afford the cost of frequent increases.

The proposal soon will go to the Legislature, where progressive lawmakers are pushing an even more generous measure sponsored by Sen. Jessica Ramos (D-Jackson Heights).

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