As Promised, Bloomberg Sues Over 'Living Wage' Bill

Mayor Michael Bloomberg filed suit Friday against the City Council to block for some workers employed by companies receiving public funds or leasing space from the city, according to the New York Times.

The move was highly anticipated in the wake of on two separate pieces of legislation aimed at increasing worker pay.

Bloomberg's opposition to the bills centers on two points: first, that only the State Legislature can mandate minimum wages; and second, that the pay guarantees will discourage businesses from hiring more workers.

This month, —on par with figures seen at the height of the most recent recession.

Sponsors of the "Living Wage" and "Prevailing Wage" bills, including Council Speaker Christine Quinn, have argued that pay increases above the state minimum wage of $7.25 are necessary to account for the rising cost of housing, food and transportation in the five boroughs.

What do you think, Patch readers? Is the Mayor right in framing this as a job-killing case of legislative overreach?

Or is the Council right in fighting for more pay for certain private sector workers?