New Jersey bill would let towns exceed state minimum wage of $8.35

New Jersey towns would be able to set a higher minimum wage than the state, under a bill being considered in Trenton. New Jersey’s current minimum wage is $8.38.

Supporters of the measure say it would enable communities with a high cost of living to have a wage standard that helps low-income families.

New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Vice President Mike Egenton says it could cause administrative burdens for companies. “It’s a nightmare for employers to deal with trying to deal with trying to keep up with different jurisdictions because they may have multiple facilities.”

Gordon MacInness is president of New Jersey Policy Perspective. He says employers should be able to cope. “They have to deal with different states. They have to deal with different counties on some issues. So I think the software will handle that. It is an inconvenience, but it’s not a killer.”

A constitutional amendment approved by New Jersey voters provides for annual increases in the statewide minimum wage based on inflation, and legislative leaders have indicated the new bill has little chance of being enacted.