Encourage Commuters to Vote “Yes” On Ballot Question #2

Tomorrow is Election Day. Polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and we urge everyone who casts a ballot to please vote “Yes” on Ballot Question #2 to raise the minimum wage. This election is unique in that New Jersey residents have the power to vote for an increase in the minimum wage and will have the final say on this critical state policy. Therefore, it is vitally important that you make your voice heard on Tuesday, November 5th.

Yet another three newspapers have indicated their support for Ballot Question #2 to raise New Jersey’s minimum wage. The New York Times, South Jersey Times, and Times of Trenton have brought the total number of major newspaper endorsements up to six. Previous endorsements include the Star-Ledger, the Courier Post, and the Daily Journal.

Today marks the one-year anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. For most of us, this is a day for reflection. But for thousands of New Jersey families, who remain displaced from their homes, today is yet another day of recovery and a harsh reminder of one of the most devastating storms in our state’s history.

Winning approval of Ballot Question #2 to raise New Jersey’s minimum wage depends on achieving a maximum voter turnout on November 5th. The vast majority of us realize that $7.25 per hour doesn’t cut it in our state. If you do the math, there simply is no way to pay for rent, utilities, child care, transportation, insurance, and health care – even if you have two or three minimum wage jobs. We all know that our state must do better.

As opponents to raising the minimum wage ramp up attacks against Ballot Question #2, it is always encouraging to see stories in the news that cut through the rhetoric and explain why increasing the minimum wage is a good thing for struggling families and our state’s economy.

We thank Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer, and Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith as well as all elected officials, union members, and community partners who joined together at the Journal Square PATH Station to urge commuters and local residents to vote “Yes” on Ballot Question #2 this November 5th. Ballot Question #2 is a statewide referendum that if approved by voters, would raise the state minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.25 per hour and tie future adjustments to the cost of living.

Becomes New Jersey’s First African-American U.S. Senator

In today’s Special U.S. Senate election, Senator-Elect Cory Booker soundly defeated his opponent Steve Lonegan and made history by becoming New Jersey’s first African-American U.S. Senator. This victory reaffirms the fact that New Jersey voters strongly support Cory Booker’s vision for social progress, compromise, raising New Jersey’s minimum wage via Ballot Question #2 this November 5th, and an economy that works for all. At the same time, this election sends a strong message that New Jersey families firmly reject the divisive and regressive thinking of Tea Party politicians like Steve Lonegan.

Polls Open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The New Jersey State AFL-CIO wholeheartedly believes that the best candidate to represent New Jersey families in the U.S. Senate is Mayor Cory Booker. As mayor of Newark, Cory Booker has worked on reducing poverty and crime, as well as fighting to foster economic growth. We strongly believe Mayor Booker will be committed to fighting for the core values of the middle class, bringing a vision of compromise and compassion to the U.S. Senate.

TRENTON, N.J. – The following is a Letter to the Editor sent to the Philadelphia Inquirer, by Charles Wowkanech, New Jersey State AFL-CIO President, in response to an Op-Ed piece that appeared in the paper: