Minimum wage question goes to voters in November over Republican objections

Star Ledger ^

[SMGFan]

— Voters will get the last word in New Jersey's year-long debate over raising the minimum wage.

The state Assembly gave final approval today to a plan by Democratic leaders that puts a wage increase on the November ballot — defying Gov. Chris Christie, conservative lawmakers and business groups who say the state economy is too weak to handle it. The measure passed 46 to 31.

If voters approve the increase, the wage floor would rise from $7.25 an hour to $8.25. A yes vote would also amend the state constitution to trigger automatic cost-of-living increases every year based on the Consumer Price Index. The changes would began in September 2014.

“I think in November it will be time for the people of New Jersey to speak and I think that will settle the issue once and for all," Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (D-Essex) said.

[nascarnation]

It should be at least $20 per hour.
Everybody in NJ can be “middle class”, even the (required by law) gas pump jockeys.

[GeronL]

So, those already making $8.25 get to see price hikes that compensate without getting a payraise themselves. Meaning those who make close to the new minimum are actually going to be worse off.

[oldbrowser]

So, those already making $8.25 get to see price hikes that compensate without getting a payraise themselves. Meaning those who make close to the new minimum are actually going to be worse off.

What happens is that the people making 7.25 to up to 8.25 . Everybody gets about 13% raise and then the price of everything goes up about 13% and the only winner is the IRS.

[VanShuyten]

Minimum wages tied to the CPI? Welcome to the stagflation of the late 60s-early 70s.

[ex-snook]

"defying Gov. Chris Christie, conservative lawmakers and business groups who say the state economy is too weak to handle it"

Thought the Gov. said he fixed the NJ economy. Seems like those millionaires who were to create jobs didn't come through. Time to beat some more on the old teachers.

[Ingtar]

Historically, prices go up more than 13%, so they have a net loss.

[grobdriver]

So, the dummies are going to "vote" themselves a raise... and then be surprised when half of them are layed off so the employers can afford it.

Heh. This should be fun to watch...

[C210N]

the wage floor would rise from $7.25 an hour to $8.25...

What's the unemployment rate in Jersey these days?

Right minded thinkers should find a population segment with unemployement at 7¼ percent. Then, campaign against this ballot issue with:

Vote yes to increase unemployment from 7¼% to 8¼%

[Count of Monte Fisto]

There are more Takers than Makers in New Jersey and they vote. Look for this to pass.

[re_nortex]

I think brave Conservatives ought to fearlessly champion a minimum wage without apology or equivocation. Here's the correct amount for a proper minimum wage:

$0.00

Anything more is tyranny and, of course, unsound economically.

[oldbrowser]

There are more Takers than Makers in New Jersey and they vote. Look for this to pass.

Has anyone ever challenged the constitutionality of a minimum wage?

[eyedigress]

Just make it 50 bucks an hour. Stupid liberals can’t fathom what that means anyway.

[BfloGuy]

And it will be passed overwhelmingly, thus condemning several million more skulls full of mush to never finding a job.

The Marxists among us sure did a number on this country when they convinced everyone that business profits are a fund from which we may withdraw at will whenever the majority finds it pleasing.

[Sooth2222]

New Jersey has an unemployment rate of 9.6% -- 4th highest in the US. All this does is make it illegal for anyone whose work is worth less than $8.25 to find a job. (98% of the time, it's likely a first job.)

I think it will pass, and we'll see another demonstration of the "Law of Intended Consequences".

[griswold3]

Seems most folks forget that by contract union wages are tied to the minimum wage. If minimum wages go up, so will union pay.

[Pining_4_TX]

Why stop there? Make the minimum wage $1,000 an hour and we’ll all be rich! All government has to do is wave its magic wand to create wealth, right?

Of course, the real reason for the minimum wage is to help unions. First, it keeps unskilled labor out of work, and second, the union pay rate on federal construction jobs is based on the minimum wage plus.

Obama did his best to appeal to his union goon friends when he called for a higher minimum wage and universal preschool.

[The Antiyuppie]

“Minimum wages tied to the CPI? Welcome to the stagflation of the late 60s-early 70s.”

...with automatic COLA in union contracts. It took a decade to remove auto-inflation from the economy...maybe the wake-up call was the last two years of the Carter administration.

[MinuteGal]

Why bother having a legislature at all !

Just put everything to public referendas. Majority wins. Problems solved !

There goes our republican form of government....replaced by a democracy, i.e. tyranny of the majority.

Leni

[trebb]

So, those already making $8.25 get to see price hikes that compensate without getting a payraise themselves. Meaning those who make close to the new minimum are actually going to be worse off.

Yep - perfect examples of the old joke: Guy gets hired and asks what the pay is. Owner of business tells him, "I'll pay you what you're worth". Guy replies, "I can't live on that".

Too much cost for unit of production and some "economizing" is necessary and then the businesses will be vilified for not having hearts and for being "greedy".