Over is right--someone did wake up grumpy.
The OP may very well be telling the truth--it depends upon which contract his buddy was hired under. We have PTers in my center making $28/hr.
Again he said he was hired
3 years ago he is under the new contract most likely even if he isn't it impossible to be making over $15 hr.
If he started three years ago before Aug 1. 2008 he would have gotten $ 2.35 or $2.70 in raises depending if he got the Aug 1 2008 raise, if he's getting $1 more an hour then he would have had to start out at over $11.65 hr.
If he started after Aug 1 2008. He would have only gotten $2.50 in raises if again he is getting $1 more an hour then he have had to start out $11.50 hr.
Is minimal wage in New York $11.50 ???