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New Jersey Governor Chris Christie Vetoes Minimum Wage Hike


A few months ago, readers might remember that I pointed out that the New Jersey Legislature had voted to approve a minimum wage hike in the state.  Under the approved legislation, the minimum wage rate would rise to $10.10/hour in the next year and at least $15/hour over the next five.  (The current minimum wage rate in the state is $8.38/hour).  In that article, I had noted that the bill was then going to go before Governor Chris Christie for his approval or veto.

As I had suggested previously, I thought that the Governor would likely veto the bill based upon his prior actions and comments on similar legislation.  Well, a few days ago, Governor Christie did just that and vetoed the bill on the grounds that it "would trigger an escalation of wages that will make doing business in New Jersey unfathomable."  Pointing to the increase in hourly minimum wage rates, the Governor referred to the bill as a "really radical increase."  (It is interesting to compare the recent increase in minimum wage rates in New York (with a Democratic governor), compared to the lack of an increase in minimum wage rates in New Jersey (with a Republican governor).  When compared side by side, readers can notice stark differences to the minimum wage fight by each major political party).
Bear in mind that since Governor Christie vetoed the bill, that does not necessarily close the door on an increased minimum wage rate in the state.  After the Governor's veto, the State Senate President, Stephen Sweeney and the State Assembly speaker, Vincent Prieto, announced that they will seek to introduce an amendment to the State Constitution.  It is certainly possible that a $15/hour minimum wage rate (or similar legislation) would end up on the ballot in 2017.  Stay tuned.


For additional information:   http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/31/nyregion/christie-vetoes-minimum-wage-increase-for-new-jersey.html

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