New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio plans to sign an executive order today significantly expanding New York City's living wage law, covering thousands of previously exempt workers and raising the hourly wage itself, The New York Times reports.
The executive order will cover thousands of previously exempt workers, raising the hourly wage from $11.90$13.13 for workers who do not receive benefits. Workers who receive benefits such as health insurance will earn $11.50 an hour, compared with $10.30 before.
The current living wage law has long faced criticism for its limited reach, covering companies that receive city subsidies, but not those that are simply tenants in subsidized developments. The expansion will no longer excuse commercial tenants on projects that receive more than $1 million in city subsidies.
"We cannot continue to allow rampant and growing income inequality," said Blasio. "Every tool counts. If we reach 18,000 families with this tool and get them to a decent standard of living, that's a game-changer for those families."
