Governor Phil Murphy’s and Speaker Craig Coughlin’s comments last week on increasing the minimum wage to $15 reflect the Governor’s vision for a fairer economy in New Jersey.
The NJ Chamber agrees that any minimum wage increase must be phased in over a reasonable period of time so businesses can plan accordingly and absorb the financial impact.
In addition, as we have said many times, the unintended consequences of this legislation must be fully vetted with all stakeholders and the impact of this increase must be analyzed against its effects on certain types of businesses, industry sectors and non-profits.
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce believes that actions taken to ensure a fairer economy must be balanced with actions taken to ensure a stronger economy.
— Tom Bracken
President,
NJ Chamber of Commerce
Editor’s Note: During a September 6 appearance at Elijah’s Promise — a New Brunswick-based nonprofit committed to ending hunger — Murphy made the following statement on minimum wage legislation:
“Adjusted for cost of living, New Jersey’s minimum wage is the 5th-most insufficient in the nation. That is unacceptable. New Jerseyans should not have to live paycheck to paycheck, in some cases deciding between whether to put food on the table or keep the lights on. The path to a stronger and fairer New Jersey includes raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour and ensuring fairness and opportunity for everyone in our state.”
