February 27, 2013 Dear Senate Minority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Im writing to you today to explain my organizations opposition

to a minimum wage increase. Unshackle Upstate and our members, consisting of business and trade organizations, are opposed to a minimum wage increase due to the damage it will have on our struggling Upstate economy. Contrary to the recent report published by the Assembly Majority, there is in fact clear evidence that increasing the minimum wage will lead to a loss of jobs especially among low wage workers. In 2012, economists Richard Burkhauser of Cornell University, Joseph Sabia of San Diego State University and Benjamin Hansen of the University of Oregon examined what happened in New York between 2004 and 2006, when the state raised its minimum wage by $1.60 to $6.75 per hour. The result: employment dropped by more than 20 percent for individuals aged 16 to 29 who lacked a high school diploma. By increasing the minimum wage at this time, more than 4 million New Yorkers between the ages of 15-24 will struggle to enter the workplace as businesses that will be directly impacted by an increase will be forced to eliminate employment opportunities. If young people arent able to find jobs in their communities, theyll eventually leave the state. This is a disturbing trend that must be reversed. While weve made some progress toward to creating private sector jobs and strengthening our economy, New York States unemployment rate is still near record levels at 8.2 percent with many Upstate regions exceeding 9 percent. A minimum wage increase at this time will only make a dire situation worse. Elected officials who are truly committed to improving the lives of everyday New Yorkers must take immediate action to improve New York States business climate. Reducing the tax burden, especially energy taxes, ending onerous regulatory mandates and cutting regulatory red tape that makes it so hard to bring projects to fruition are some of the first steps that can be taken to boost job growth and provide greater opportunities for individuals and families. I strongly encourage you to reject any proposal that would increase New York States minimum wage the Upstate economy simply cant afford it. Sincerely,

Brian Sampson Executive Director, Unshackle Upstate