Raising the minimum wage helps New Jerseyans who are working hard but struggling.

Since the recession started in 2007, more New Jerseyans have slid into poverty. Given New Jersey’s high cost of living, many others who are not “officially” in poverty are struggling to survive.

Numbers from 2007-2011. Based on the federal poverty level, which is $23,050 for a family of four and $11,170 for an individual. Poverty data based on the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey.