Statement

$15 Minimum Wage Bill Through The Legislature


Almost one million New Jersey's will see a boost in their take home pay.

Published on Jan 31, 2019 in Economic Justice

Today, legislation to increase New Jersey’s minimum wage to $15 by 2024 passed through the legislature and now awaits Governor Murphy’s signature. This is one of the most significant pieces of legislation in the state’s history and will benefit nearly one million workers and their families, strengthening our economy and benefiting businesses all across the Garden State.

BRANDON MCKOY, DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS, NJPP:
“Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour will improve the lives of millions of people across New Jersey as low-paid workers and their families will be able to more easily afford their basic day-to-day needs. The positive impact of this change will reverberate throughout the economy as workers will immediately have more purchasing power, spending their increased earnings in their local communities and benefiting businesses on Main Street.

“After several proposals that excluded teen workers from the full wage increase, we are very happy to see that they have not been marginalized in this bill—work is work and should be valued regardless of who does it or how old they are. While this legislation will have a tremendous and positive effect on the state, more work must be done to ensure that New Jersey’s agricultural and tipped workers are not left behind. Employees in these sectors face unique challenges that are left unaddressed by this legislation, and we will continue to fight for policies that fully recognize the dignity of their labor.

“We applaud the legislature for recognizing that millions of New Jerseyans suffer from poverty wages and making it a priority to urgently pass this bill onto the governor’s desk. This will be one of the most consequential and beneficial pieces of legislation in the state’s history, helping to reduce poverty, mitigate income inequality, and strengthen our economy.”

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