NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York and New Jersey are among 23 states raising the minimum wage for 2021. In the Garden State, minimum wage workers will get a raise to $12 per hour. In New York, the minimum wage increase to $12.50. In both states, the hikes are part of a phased-in approach to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour. "Even as we continue to battle the pandemic, we are working to build back in an equitable and just way," New York Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said. "Before this crisis, we achieved record low unemployment rates while increasing the minimum wage - improving the lives of thousands of New Yorkers - and we will rebuild our economy while continuing to lead the nation in the fight for economic justice. This investment in our workers once again proves that in New York we believe a fair day's work deserves a fair day's pay."