Shortly after Governor Phil Murphy’s press conference, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-19)  issued the following statement on Assembly minimum wage legislation:

“In September, I stood publicly with the Governor at Elijah’s Promise and acknowledged my full support of a $15 minimum wage. I strongly believe that it is my duty, and the duty of my colleagues in the Legislature, to take meaningful action to provide all New Jerseyans with a fair living wage.

“The Assembly is the final stages of crafting legislation. This legislation addresses the issue of helping New Jersey’s working poor be better able to afford living in the State while taking into consideration the concerns of the State’s valued small business community. It is incumbent upon the Legislature to produce fair and responsible legislation for the people of New Jersey and that is what we will do.

“It is important that the members of the Assembly have the opportunity to consider and debate the bill. I am confident that we will consider the legislation either later this year or in January.”