NEWARK- In response to the report on harmful effects of a youth worker exclusion from a $15 minimum wage policy by the National Employment Law Project and New Jersey Policy Perspective, Analilia Mejia, Executive Director of NJ Working Families Alliance issued the following statement:

“As New Jersey paves the way to lift up workers to a $15 minimum wage, our state must ensure all workers regardless of race, age, or industry are included. Legislators should recognize the negative impact a youth worker exclusion will have on primarily low- to middle-income families as well as families of color, according to the latest report by NELP and NJPP. When teen family members work, they bring in as much 18.6% of their family’s total income. Any exclusion will not only affect teenagers but also their families’ economic stability.”

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