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.... 

Continue reading 

Jersey Shore Workcamp Applications Due March 15

From Middletown Public Information:
 February 24, 2017


Teenagers from across the U.S. will come to Monmouth County this summer as part of Jersey Shore Workcamp VIII to repair homes for low income, elderly or disabled residents. Teams of 5 teenagers and at least one adult leader will do the work. The work camp is hosted by St. John's United Methodist Church and Group Cares.

Eligible repairs may include: exterior house painting (vinyl & aluminum siding included), interior home painting, limited roofing (no tear-offs), mobile home roof coating, mobile home skirting, wheelchair ramps, exterior step repair or replacement (no plumbing or electrical work). Both labor & materials will be free to qualifying homeowners. (Must own home--no rentals). Applications will be carefully reviewed to determine qualification. In order to be considered, return applications no later than March 15, 2017. Call Bill or Gail Bechtoldt for more information at 732-671-1036.

Download: Jersey Shore Work Camp Application

Pallone Announces Grants to Help Low-Income and First-Generation College Students in New Jersey

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2015


WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) announced that the U.S. Department of Education has awarded a $513,812 grant to Rutgers University-New Brunswick and a $288,729 grant to Middlesex County College through the Student Support Services Program (SSS). The purpose of SSS is to provide academic and other support services to low-income, first-generation and disabled college students to increase retention and graduation rates.

“Any student, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to earn a college degree. Yet, low-income and first-generation students often must take on part-time jobs and other responsibilities that can reduce the chances of graduating from a four-year college,” said Congressman Pallone. “This grant will help Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Middlesex County College empower these students to overcome these barriers increase graduation rates.”

“We are pleased with the success of our grant as this was a very competitive cycle,” said Patrick Madama, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Middlesex County College. “This funding continues support of our Project Connections program, designed to develop the skills needed for students with learning disabilities to compete successfully in college. The program provides these students supplemental services including: individual needs assessment, individual and group tutorial support, counseling interventions, an intrusive coaching intervention, a freshman course sequence, transfer support, self-advocacy skill development and financial literacy to ultimately assist them in achieving a college degree. Our data indicates that Project Connections participants perform better than matched cohorts of students in retention, satisfactory progress and graduation/transfer rates.”

The program, funded by the grant award, seeks to significantly increase the GPA, retention and graduation rates of its participants by investing in one-on-one academic, career, financial literacy and personal counseling, along with technology workshops, peer mentoring, and other services.