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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