"2024 Ushers in Higher Minimum Wage, Tolls, and Legal Shifts in New York"

As of January 1, 2024, New York's minimum wage has risen, with New York City workers seeing an increase from $15 to $16, and the rest of the state from $14.20 to $15. This marks the beginning of a series of planned annual increases that will continue until 2026, aiming for a $17 minimum wage in NYC and $16 elsewhere in the state. The increases are part of a strategy developed by Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state legislature, despite opposition from some business owners and arguments from some Democrats that the increases are insufficient. Future adjustments will be linked to the Consumer Price Index to account for inflation.