Over 60 Albany County employees could see their salaries increase to $15 an hour after the Legislature approved legislation that establishes a living wage for the County workforce.

After seeing the effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the economy, the Legislature determined that $15 an hour is a more sufficient wage to support a basic standard of living rather than the State’s minimum wage of $12.50.

“With the cost of rent alone in the area, it is quite obvious that the cost of living has increased, but unfortunately wages have not increased at the same rate. Our county essential workers deserve an essential pay rate. I want to thank my colleagues in the Legislature for feeling the same way and supporting this vital legislation,” stated Deputy Majority Leader Lynne Lekakis, who sponsored the resolution.

“We’ve praised our frontline employees for their incredible work during this pandemic. Now it’s time to put words into actions,” said Chairman Andrew Joyce. “These hardworking, brave individuals had no choice but to show up to work every day. It’s time for us to tell these people that they matter and their work matters. Now is the time we give them a living wage to support themselves and their families.”

In addition, the Legislature is hopeful that increasing wages will begin to address the wealth gap, especially among minorities and women, who have been marginalized from fair and equal wages for decades.

It is expected that the increase to wages will cost the County approximately $70,000 and will require an amendment to the 2021 budget.