N.J. / Democrats raise minimum wage to $8.50

So much for the bipartisan lovefest brought on by Hurricane Sandy.

Democrat and Republican senators clashed Monday over a proposal to raise the state’s minimum wage to $8.50 from $7.25 and provide for annual cost of living increases. The Senate Budget committee advanced the bill by a 7-6 vote, and the Senate is expected to deliver final approval next week.

Republicans beseeched Democrats, who rule both chambers in Trenton, to consider phasing in the raise to blunt labor costs to storm-damaged businesses…

Choosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor from

via N.J. Democrats advance minimum wage hike – Philly.com.