New York state will gradually raise the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $15 an hour - the first time any state has set the minimum that high.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration formally approved the increase Thursday, a move the Democratic governor announced at a labor rally with Vice President Joe Biden.
Cuomo said he would work to pass legislation setting a $15 minimum for all industries, a promise that comes as more and more cities around the country move toward a $15 minimum wage.
Biden predicted the $15 wage for fast-food workers would galvanize efforts across the country.