New jersey governor phil murphy demands $15 minimum wage before new year

TRENTON-New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy wants to see his state’s minimum wage nearly double by the end of 2018. Murphy this week said he wants his fellow Democrats who control the state legislature to increase the minimum wage to $15. Currently, New Jersey’s minimum wage is $8.38.

Acting on a commitment to build a stronger and fairer New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy today urged the Legislature to close the wage gap and pass a bill raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour for all working New Jerseyans before the end of the year.

“I’ve run out of patience,” Murphy said in an interview with Politico. “And quite frankly, the other side that is opposed to this has run out of arguments.”

“Establishing a livable wage of $15 per hour provides New Jersey’s working families with the opportunity to put food on their tables and keep the lights on in their homes,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Raising the minimum wage is a crucial piece in building the foundation for a robust and fair economy. We have talked about this issue and the benefits it will bring to New Jerseyans long enough. The time for the Legislature to act is now.”

Increasing the minimum wage to $15 could have negative impacts on workers and the economy as businesses could be forced to either reduce their workforce or raise prices for the consumer.

New Jersey currently ranks 20th in minimum wage rates nationwide.

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