At least two business groups are lining up on Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposal to increase the state’s minimum wage, while two others, the state Business Council and the Rochester-based Unshackle Upstate, hope negotiations will at least alter the measure.

In all, the old foes of a minimum wage hike — including Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos — so far are not knocking the proposal as they did last year when Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver proposed the measure (if I’m missing anyone’s statement in support or opposition, please let me know).

“Governor Cuomo’s budget maintains fiscal responsibility with an eye towards economic growth,” Carlo A. Scissura, President & CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. “In addition to his efforts to improve the State’s economy, the governor’s proposal to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $8.75 an hour — to keep up with the cost of living — would go a long way in helping put more money in the pockets of New Yorkers while also stimulating the economy.”

Scissura’s comments come the same day as Ted Potrikus, the executive vice president of the Retail Council, writes in The Times Union that a “gradual” increase could ease the burden on employers.

“Retailers indeed are wary of the impact that such forces would have on their already-stretched bottom lines,” he wrote. “Yet retailers also see on a daily basis the negative effect of dwindling consumer spending power in the face of rising prices.”

Other groups aren’t so convinced.

Business Council Heather Briccetti said in an interview with NY1′s Zack Fink that she expected the proposal to be tact on to the budget, but hoped the final provision could be changed.

“We’re very concerned about it and we’re hopeful that they’ll be some softeners, some compromise here before we move forward,” she said. “I don’t think the fight is over, we still have the 30-day amendment period, obviously businesses will be impacted, we can talk about phasing it in, we can talk about a training wage, so there’s still room to negotiate I believe.”

Unshackle Upstate, too, says they’re worried about the impact on the business in a struggling economy.

“As New York State continues its economic recovery, Unshackle Upstate remains opposed to a minimum wage increase. Without measures in place to offset the added costs, this hike will be detrimental to our business climate and taxpayers’ wallets,” said Executive Director Brian Sampson.

Update: Add the NFIB in the opposed column as well.

“We are deeply disappointed that the Governor has included a minimum wage proposal within this fiscal plan,” said State Director Mike Durant. “As proposed, this minimum wage hike has the potential to offset the projected immediate savings incorporated within his regulatory reform proposals. We strongly urge the Governor and legislative leaders to focus on additional areas of regulatory reform and cost reduction for small business.”

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