By DAVID KLEPPER

Associated Press

ALBANY (AP) - Several of New York state’s largest and most influential business groups are coming together to fight Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s call for a $15 minimum wage, saying such a steep increase would devastate small businesses and lead to higher prices for consumers.

The organized opposition will launch its push to defeat the proposal on Wednesday at the state Capitol. The coalition includes the state Farm Bureau, the Restaurant Association, Associated General Contractors of New York and several other trade groups and chambers of commerce.

“The governor’s minimum wage proposal is simply too much, too fast,” said Heather Briccetti, president and CEO of The Business Council of New York State. “Areas of New York, especially upstate, are experiencing little or no economic growth. ... Forcing businesses to artificially inflate wages now will result in fewer worker hours, automation and closures.”