Kean Calls for Compromise on Minimum Wage & Fiscal Reforms

Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean said that bipartisan compromise is possible on a number of important initiatives, including raising the minimum wage and enacting fiscal reforms to lower the cost of government.

“It would make a lot of sense to pair a minimum wage increase with proposals from the Legislature’s Economic and Fiscal Policy Workgroup to significantly reduce pension and health benefit costs going forward,” said Kean. “If the Governor is willing to join concerned Republicans and Democrats in the Legislature in getting the State’s fiscal house in order, I believe we can accomplish a lot of good things together for New Jerseyans.”

Kean has long offered to work with Governor Murphy to phase in an increase of the minimum wage to a level that is modern and fair. He has suggested since last fall that such an increase be coupled with other reforms to improve affordability for taxpayers.

He said today that both the Governor and legislative leaders should demonstrate that they are willing to compromise for progress on these issues to be made.

“The Governor has called for a flat $15 minimum wage, which many in the Legislature think will reduce job opportunities and hurt farmers and small businesses,” said Kean. “Similarly, the Legislature has called for pension and benefit reforms to lower the cost of government, which the Governor believes may harm dedicated public employees. There are middle-ground approaches that would allow us to make progress on these issues we all care about, while minimizing undesirable consequences. If we can all show that we’re open to reaching a consensus on these reforms, I know that we can make New Jersey more affordable.”

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