HOSPITALITY-RELATED BUSINESS HAVE A HARDER TIME WITH A MINIMUM WAGE HIKE, GOUVERNEUR CHAMBER DIRECTOR SAYS—Donna Lawrence, the Executive Director of the Gouverneur Chamber and owner of a large bed-and-breakfast told those gathered at the Gouverneur VFW Thursday for a discussion with Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush about the proposed increase in the state minimum from $7.25 to $8.50 an hour, that the wage is not the only labor expense a business has—worker's comp and unemployment insurance drive up what she calls the “real minimum wage” a worker gets. She also says the additional 3-percent “bed tax” a business like hers pays on top of other taxes makes ends meet more difficult. Lawrence went on to say she and other business owners have no problem, philosophically with paying workers more; whether it's possible in the current business climate is the question.

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OBITUARIES:

Sharon White—67—Massena. Services 11am Monday at Grace Church, Massena. Calling hours at Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena 1-4pm Sunday

Helen Bennett—Wilson Hill, Massena. Services and calling hours private; arrangements are with Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena.