Working Families United for New Jersey, Inc. was invited by Senate President Stephen Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto to participate in a discussion this morning with legislative leaders and progressive grassroots partners to advance a coordinated strategy to raise New Jersey’s minimum wage to $15 per hour.

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This meeting follows an announcement by the Senate President and Assembly Speaker to sponsor legislation raising the minimum wage to $10.10, with annual increases to push the hourly minimum to at least $15 over five years. In the case that the Governor vetoes this bill, lawmakers will take the issue directly to voters in 2017.

Working Families United for New Jersey, Inc. is committed to working with elected officials to resolve the disconnect between New Jersey’s high cost of living and low minimum wage. The bill being put forth is a common sense measure for shoring up our state economy by ensuring all hard working families in New Jersey are able to make ends meet.

Our coalition has proven that raising the minimum wage is a win-win for working families and economic growth. Living wage jobs not only provide greater financial freedom for workers, but also encourage consumer spending, family stability, and greater economic opportunities.

With state poverty levels at a 50-year high and 20 percent of residents holding half of all the income, the need for a living wage is more important than ever before. Working Families United for New Jersey, Inc. is proud to join with legislative leaders and progressive partners to ensure a living wage for all New Jersey workers.