Governor Murphy and Speaker Coughlin Tout Support for $15 Minimum Wage

NEW BRUNSWICK – Recognizing the need for working families to receive livable wages, Governor Phil Murphy and Speaker Craig Coughlin today toured Elijah’s Promise and expressed their support for a $15 minimum wage.

“Adjusted for cost of living, New Jersey’s minimum wage is the 5th-most insufficient in the nation,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “That is unacceptable. New Jerseyans should not have to live paycheck to paycheck, in some cases deciding between whether to put food on the table or keep the lights on. The path to a stronger and fairer New Jersey includes raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour and ensuring fairness and opportunity for everyone in our state.”

“Anyone working hard at a full-time job should, at the least, be able to provide their family with the basics — a roof over their family’s head, food on the table and clothes on their back,” said Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin. “I am committed to ramping up the minimum wage to $15 and will continue to work with my caucus, Senate President Sweeney and Governor Murphy on a responsible path towards raising the wages and standard of living for working, middle class New Jerseyans.”

“I am looking forward to working with Governor Murphy and Speaker Coughlin to see that New Jersey increases the minimum wage to $15 an hour,” said Senate President Steve Sweeney. “It is the right thing to do for working people and the smart thing to do for the economy.”

By raising the minimum wage to $15, Governor Murphy believes we can grow and protect the middle class and working families. These efforts to empower workers in our state will boost productivity and grow the economy.

Elijah’s Promise is committed to ending hunger, providing education and jobs in the food industry, and offering social services to those in need.