Today Governor Cuomo described the contested debate on hiking New York’s minimum wage as a “philosophical discussion”, and the more I have thought about this, the more troubled I have become.

While political ideology rules the roost in the hallowed halls of the State Capitol, onerous and additional costs imposed on small businesses do not discriminate across the political spectrum.  And today, yet again, another publication ranked New York as the 2nd worst business climate in the nation.

I understand that, especially in an election year, political agenda’s drive the policy debates both in this town and in statehouses across the country.  But when you are a small business owner in New York, you immediately start out with an enormous deck stacked against you.  Facts are facts.  A well-intended political gambit like raising the minimum wage will stifle job creation, increase costs on consumers, force job loss and negate any momentum lawmakers and Governor Cuomo have created towards revitalizing the State’s economy and re-branding our image as anti-business.

Let’s not make this issue a matter of political ideology and philosophy.  Let’s look at it as another strike against small business. Another card on the deck against free enterprise. Let’s finish this legislative session off with the focus on improving New York’s economic image and promote legislation that will revitalize our stagnant economy.