Politics & Government

New Year's Day Brings New Jersey Minimum Wage Increase

The wage increases from $7.25 to $8.25 following voter approval in November.

Written by Anthony Bellano 

One fourth of minimum wage workers will receive a $1 increase on Wednesday after voters approved an increase via a referendum in November’s election.

The previous minimum wage was $7.25, and the new wage will be $8.25.

New Jersey Policy Perspective estimates 254,000 workers in the state will see an increase and another 189,000 who make between $8.25 and $9.25 will indirectly benefit from the increase,according to an Associated Press report.

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The increase is a compromise reached between the state’s Democrats, who proposed an increase to $8.50, and Gov. Chris Christie, who offered an increase to $8.25, according to the report.

The amendment not only constitutes the first increase since 2009. It also guarantees future increases in the minimum wage as the cost of living increases.

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New Jersey is one of 21 states that will see an increase in the minimum wage at the start of the new year, according to the report. Another 11 states and the District of Columbia are also considering increases.


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