ALBANY -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo says it's impossible to raise the minimum wage this year because of legislative politics. But advocates for the poor say he can force a change administratively.

Tuesday night, advocates rallied in North Syracuse for a food drive to try to change lawmakers minds.  Advocates say living below the poverty line is not just an inner city problem.  In the Village of  North Syracuse, officials say 16% are living in poverty.

Tanya Murray says she's had a hard time living paycheck to paycheck and raising 5 kids on minimum wage. "I've really struggled over the years, just to pay the rent to be able to give my kids a place to call home," said Murray who works at a local laundromat.

"No one who goes to work everyday and is willing to work should have to raise their family in poverty," said Reverend Kevin Agee.

Cuomo says he supports raising the minimum, but that it's not in the "realm of possibility" to get the measure passed in the Republican-led Senate. Cuomo made the comments Monday on public radio's "Capitol Pressroom."

But the Hunger Action Network says his administration could force the change through a provision in state Labor Law that hasn't yet been tested.

Cuomo spokesman Josh Vlasto says the provision can't be used to raise the wage for most workers.

The minimum is now $7.25 an hour. The Democrat-led Assembly wants it increased to $8.50.