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December 26, 2008

COMMISSION ISSUES REPORT CALLING FOR MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE

The New Jersey Minimum Wage Advisory Commission issued its second annual report on December 22, 2008.  We are proud that the Commission recommended a three pronged policy concerning New Jersey’s minimum wage.  They are:

1.                   Increase the minimum wage immediately to $8.50 an hour.  This amount would translate into the minimum required amount to have a single worker with one child, who works 40 hours a week for 52 weeks, earn just $60 above the current annual federal poverty threshold of $17,600.  If the wage is any less that $8.50, this worker employed full time is living in poverty. 

2.                   Include an automatic annual cost of living adjustment (COLA).

3.                   Create a tipped employee wage, perhaps as a percentage of the minimum wage, also indexed.

In 2009, raising New Jersey’s minimum wage would have a positive economic impact on thousands of residents living and working throughout the State.  The data presented in this report has one undeniable conclusion – New Jersey’s minimum wage is not adequate, and those earning it as their only source of income are living in poverty.  State lawmakers have the ability to permanently help the plight of low wage workers by acting on legislation to implement the Commission’s recommendations.

To view the entire report, please CLICK HERE.

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