The New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association (NYSHTA) met Friday morning for a legislative meeting to discuss concerns about a higher minimum wage and other budget proposals that would impact the tourism industry.
"From a small business perspective we're certainly against it - an increase in minimum wage - and we're supporting more funding for tourism," said Jan Marie Chesterton the president of NYSHTA.
The state Senate already passed an increase in wages for workers. Chesterton said small business already went through a three year phase that brought hourly wages above $9 an hour.
"We would be opposed to a $15 an hour minimum wage increase," said Chesterton.
Visit Buffalo Niagara and the Niagara Tourism & Convention Corporation sponsored Friday's meeting at the Four Points Sheraton. They hope the Matching Grant is part of the budget preferably with an increase.
"Its money all 62 counties are eligible to apply for," said John Percy the president and CEO of Niagara Tourism & Convention Corporation. "Last year it was $3.8 million. We're hoping for an increase to $4.3 million."
Money from the grant is used throughout the state in local municipalities for promotion.
"It's used for tourism, advertising, promotion and marketing," said Percy.
