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 Senate 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 Senate mostly along party lines, with all Democrats present voting yes, except Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-1) who voted against the bill. All Republicans present voted no. It passed by a vote of 22-15-3. Senators Allen, Bateman and Rice were not present for the vote.
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 Senators that voted in favor. The Senate vote is attached. If the bill passes the State Assembly, it will appear on the ballot on Election Day.
If you would like more information, please contact Legislative Affairs Coordinator Eric Richard at 609-989-8730 or [email protected]