The New Jersey State AFL-CIO and community allies consider raising the minimum wage and including a cost of living adjustment (COLA) to be a top priority for our state. In order to provide economic stability to low-income workers, New Jersey needs a permanent fix for calculating its minimum wage, and that means establishing an annual COLA.

For this reason, we commend the Assembly for passing SCR-1 (Sweeney / Turner / Oliver / Eustace / Spencer), which increases the minimum wage to $8.25 and includes the COLA.

The Constitutional Amendment (SCR-1) passed the Assembly mostly along party lines, with all Democrats present voting yes, except Assemblyman Milam (D-1) who voted against the bill. All Republicans present voted no. It passed by a vote of 46-31-0-2.

CLICK HERE for complete vote results.

New Jersey’s growing poverty statistics are startling and raising the minimum wage would be a strong first step toward addressing this problem.

The New Jersey State AFL-CIO thanks the bill’s sponsors and all the Assembly members  that voted in favor. The Assembly vote is attached. The question will now appear on the ballot this November for voters to decide.

If you would like more information, please contact Legislative Affairs Coordinator Eric Richard at 609-989-8730 or [email protected]