TRENTON – Sen. Michael L. Testa, Jr. (R-1st) expressed concern about the increase in the state’s minimum wage that went into effect Jan.1.
According to a release, the hourly rate increased to $11 per hour from $10, and seasonal workers and employees at businesses with less than six workers would see their pay bump from $8.35 to $10.30.
“This increase comes at a significant risk,” cautioned Testa. “Higher business expenses will result in higher prices for consumers, but the news can be even worse for employees. Mandatory hikes to the minimum wage have been linked to reduced hours and job opportunities for low-skilled workers. The people who least can afford it will be hurt the most.
“In South Jersey, where the seasonal tourism industry is crucial to the local economy, the impact is likely to be more severe. These businesses were exempt from last year’s increase, but in 2020, they will be hit even harder to make up for it.
“To stay in business, many of these important local operations will have no choice but to cut staff, reduce benefits, and consider investing in job-killing automation. That is the reality,”he continued.
Testa noted that many seasonal jobs, such as lifeguards and beach taggers, are paid by local taxpayers.
“The radical jump in salary will place pressure on shore towns to increase taxes,” added Testa.
Next year, minimum wage will jump to $12, and $11.10 for seasonal workers, eventually reaching $15 per hour in 2024.
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