Toms River Chamber of Commerce says it opposes any increase in the minimum wage because of its affect on small businesses.

In a Feb. 11 article on its website, chamber officials said recently legislation introduced would raise the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour. They said a wage increase will adversely affect small businesses in the retail and hospitality sector, among others, because of the likelihood of wage compression and hampered job creation. They say it may also decrease the number of available work hours and job training for workers.

The chamber is in favor of policy alternatives such as a trainee wage at or below the minimum wage for those starting in the workplace, as well as increased funding and prioritization of education and workforce training programs. More information can be found at http://tomsriverchamber.com/minimum-wage-policy/.

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