The Times Union reports that New York Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon on Sept. 30 said the plan to gradually raise the minimum wage was ongoing, with upstate regions scheduled to go from $13.20 an hour to $14.20 an hour at midnight Dec. 31. “By raising the minimum wage incrementally, New York is helping businesses adjust to the new rate, while giving low-wage workers the ability to better participate in our economy,” Reardon said in a statement. “Continuing with the multi-year plan to raise the minimum wage is in line with market standards and ensures that no worker is left behind.” But Reardon's announcement will need an official rulemaking and public comment before it is final, according to the labor department. About 200,000 New Yorkers upstate will get a raise if the minimum wage increase is approved. Of those workers, 44 percent are full-time, and nearly 25 percent are supporting children below age 18, according to a state Budget Division analysis. Read more about this story in the Times Union.