The New York Senate has overwhelmingly passed the state budget bill containing a measure to raise the state's minimum wage to $15, matching the top hourly pay approved by California lawmakers Thursday.
The Republican-controlled chamber voted 61-1 Friday for approval after working through the night to pass other parts of the $156 billion spending plan for the fiscal year that began at 12:01 a.m. Friday.
The wage bill contains a series of "calibrated" increases that would boost the paychecks of 2 million workers across New York state.
The Democrat-controlled Assembly, which adjourned early Friday, plans to return at 10 a.m. to begin debate on the wage bill.
The bill also includes paid family leave for New York workers and a tax cut for middle-class filers.