NEW YORK STATE -- An advocacy group for the poor in New York is asking for minimum wage to be increased to $10 an hour. New York's minimum wage is currently $7.25, the same as the federal wage. The Hunger Action Network wants to see an almost $3 increase.

According to state law, the Commissioner of Labor has the power to raise state minimum wage and doesn't need legislative approval if he or she finds the rate is too low to support workers. The Commissioner is also mandated to review the rate if at least 50 low income workers submit a petition.

The Hunger Action Network says it will submit a petition if no action is taken.