New York Paid Family Leave

Governor Cuomo signed the new Paid Family Leave bill in 2016, calling it the "strongest" policy of its kind in the country. The new law that goes into effect today allows employees at private companies to take time off to care for a new baby or a sick relative. Workers can get 50 percent of their pay and health insurance for 8 weeks — rising to 12 weeks by 2021 — and be able to return to the same or comparable job when their leave is over. The program is funded through payroll deductions. For public employees, an employer may choose whether to offer the paid leave. Mayor de Blasio signed a paid parental leave order for city workers in 2016.

New York Minimum Wage

Activists have been pushing for a $15 minimum wage across the country as part of the Fight for 15 movement. In 2016, Governor Cuomo signed a law promising to get there, but in phases. Starting today, larger business in New York City will have to pay workers $13 an hour, smaller businesses will have to pay $12 and fast food workers will get $13.50. On Long Island and in Westchester County, the minimum wage is now $11 and in the rest of the state, it's $10.40.

New Jersey Minimum Wage

In New Jersey, the minimum wage is going up 16 cents to $8.60, an increase that's pegged to the Consumer Price Index. But many workers and labor advocates say that's not nearly enough to make ends meet in the state. Democrats in the state legislature have passed a $15 minimum wage, but Governor Christie vetoed it, saying it would hurt New Jersey businesses. Governor-elect Phil Murphy has promised a minimum wage increase once in office.