The New Jersey legislature is expected to consider a proposal Monday that would raise the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour from the current level of $8.38.
The increase would stretch over five years, starting with rise to $10.10 on Jan. 1. The rate would increase every year thereafter on a variable scale, but by no less than $1.25. If the combination of a $1 increase and a cost of living adjustment tied to inflation would be higher, that step-up would be used.
After the minimum hits $15 an hour, it would be raised automatically to keep pace with inflation.
Gov. Chris Christie has indicated that he would veto such a bill, but the leading legislative proponent, Senate President Steve Sweeney, has said he’ll try to push the measure into law via an initiative on the November election ballot.
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