Rick Karlin and Matthew Hamilton are reporting in the Times Union New York's fast-food workers are on track for a raise to $15 an hour. On Wed., Jul. 22, a wage board empaneled by Gov. Andrew Cuomo recommended the increase, which will affect roughly 200,000 workers statewide. The panel's decisions are subject to approval, rejection or modification by the state Labor Commissioner. Beginning Dec. 31, the minimum wage would increase to $10.50 in New York City, and to $9.75 in the rest of the state. Annual increases would follow until the hourly rate hits $15 in New York City in 2018, and in the rest of the state in July 2021. Progressive leaders hailed the announcement as a net win and a first step toward a higher wage for all sectors. Business groups and those representing fast-food operators criticized the decision, predicting it would lead to job cuts in the industry. Read the full story in the Times Union.