NEW YORK -- New year, new laws. Here's what people in New York need to know about the changes taking effect in 2025.

Let's start with minimum wage. It's going up 50 cents an hour in New York to $16.50 for New York City, Long Island and Westchester County and to $15.50 for the rest of the state.

One grocery store owner said rising labor costs are one of many challenges to the bottom line.

"That includes energy costs, insurance rates, taxes, city taxes and now another lingering factor is shoplifting," said Jose Filipe who owns New Rochelle Farms.

New Jersey's minimum wage increases 36 cents to $15.49, and Connecticut's goes up 66 cents to $16.35.

New laws for 2025 in New York City

• Congestion pricing: The new toll charging drivers to enter Manhattan's Congestion Relief Zone is scheduled to start at midnight on Jan. 5, 2025. Most weekday commuters will be charged $9 to drive into Manhattan at or below 60th street. Off-peak hours will be less expensive, and there are some discounts and exemptions available. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul suddenly pumped the brakes on the initial rollout last summer, but later brought the plan back at a reduced rate. It still faces several legal challenges, and President-elect Donald Trump is among those who have voiced their opposition.
• Broker fees: New York City is effectively doing away with broker fees after the City Council approved the Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses, or FARE, Act. Under the new law, whoever hires a broker is...

Read Full Story: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMibEFVX3lxTE5wNzZKSmZrSllPRC1hUldiSHgw...