The Assembly Labor Committee advanced three bills on Thursday that would help strengthen New Jersey’s working families.
The bill, A-15, gradually raises New Jersey’s minimum wage to $15 per hour, giving low-wage workers a much needed raise in this high-cost state. A $15 phased-in minimum wage would give workers a fighting chance to make ends meet, and help ensure that all work is dignified.
The party line vote to advance the bills was 6-3. Democrats Joseph Egan (D-17), Shavonda Sumter (D-35), Craig Coughlin (D-19), Annette Quijano (D-20), Arthur Barclay (D-5) and Angela McKnight (D-31) voted yes. Republicans Ronald Dancer (D-12), Parker Space (D-24) and Jay Webber (D-26) voted no.
The Labor Committee also advanced two prevailing wage bills. A-2863/S-2173 requires that workers subject to the state’s prevailing wage laws have completed or are enrolled in a registered apprenticeship, which ensures the most qualified workforce is on the job. The vote was 8-0-1 with Webber abstaining. A-3435/S-1162 imposes prevailing wage on properties that receive tax abatements or exemptions. The vote was 7-1-1, with Webber voting no and Dancer abstaining.
We are proud to report another strong showing by our affiliates and community partners at Thursday’s hearing. We look forward to seeing these bills move quickly through the Legislature. Thank you for your continued support.
We also would like to inform everyone that the Senate State Government Committee has postponed its consideration of SCR-2, placing a ballot question before voters requiring the state to fully fund pensions. That discussion had been planned for Monday, but will instead be rescheduled for a later date.