NJSpotlight: $15 MINIMUM WAGE ON VERGE OF BECOMING LAW IN NEW JERSEY

I know that raising the minimum wage to $15 hr in NJ, is a big topic right now and on the verge of becoming a reality once Governor Murphy signs the bill that is currently sitting on his desk.

There are pros & cons and people for or against the proposal on both sides; I happen to be for it but here's the thing, I don't believe it should be across the board. There should be a two (maybe three) tiered minimum wage based on age and seasonal employment that protect both low income earners and small business.

I feel that those that rely on "Tips" for income should have a standard minimum wage over and above whatever tips are earned, but less than the maximum $15.

Here is more from NJSpotlight:

$15 MINIMUM WAGE ON VERGE OF BECOMING LAW IN NEW JERSEY
JOHN REITMEYER | FEBRUARY 1, 2019

Governor says he’ll sign compromise measure approved in Legislature yesterday elevating wages of low-paid workers nearly 70 percent by 2024

Over the objections of Republican lawmakers, the Democratic-controlled Legislature easily approved a measure yesterday that will raise the state’s minimum wage for most workers to $15 over the next five years. The bill now goes to Gov. Phil Murphy, who’s promising to sign it within days.

There was little suspense heading into yesterday’s votes. The legislation was the result of a closely negotiated compromise involving Murphy, a first-term Democrat who campaigned on the wage increase, and Democratic legislative leaders who had been more qualified in their embrace of the concept.

GOP lawmakers pleaded with Democratic sponsors yesterday to abandon their deal with the governor, suggesting the proposed increase could lead to job losses and other unintended consequences. But the sponsors noted that similar concerns were raised in 2013, the last time the state changed its minimum-wage policies and the bill passed both houses easily, 52-25 in the Assembly, 23-16 in the Senate.

“If we make mistakes, we’ll address mistakes, but raising people out of poverty is not a mistake,” said Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester).

Murphy responded quickly to the votes on social media, promising he would sign the wage increase Monday.

“Working families can’t wait,” the governor said.... 

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Pallone Visits NJ Tech Hub and Meets with Local Entrepreneurs for ‘Start Up Day Across America’

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2015

LONG BRANCH, NJ – Today, on ‘Start Up Day Across America,’ Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) visited Asbury Park-based tech hub Cowerks and met with local entrepreneurs. Congressman Pallone heard from members of the Cowerks community that operate local start-ups about how they are solving problems through innovation and what challenges they face. He also discussed the impact tech start-ups have on the economy, the benefits they provide to the community, and how Congress can support them. Cowerks is a working, office, meeting and event space that serves as the hub for the Jersey Shore tech community. Places like Cowerks are helping to foster a strong tech community in New Jersey and are helping to keep new, high-skill jobs and a young talent pool in the state.

“In today’s 21st-century economy, start-up companies are a driving force for American job creation, and I am especially pleased that Asbury Park and the Jersey Shore are shining examples of that success,” said Congressman Pallone. “I thank Cowerks for the opportunity to visit and for their work supporting the growth of tech start-ups and the young entrepreneurs creating these new jobs. In Congress, we must recognize the importance of this emerging sector of the economy and craft policy that addresses the challenges they face.”

Pallone is the Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over issues affecting start-up businesses, such as telecommunications and access to broadband.

‘Start Up Day Across America’ is a bipartisan effort to raise awareness about the important economic role start-ups play, and to provide local entrepreneurs with an opportunity to interact with their representatives.