The minimum wage in New Jersey is being raised from $8.85 an hour to $15 an hour.

Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill that will make sure the minimum wage reaches $15. Although the raise will not take effect immediately, many workers are relieved by the news. The increase in pay will take place over a period of a few years.

On July 1st, 2019, it will increase to $10, January 1st, 2020, to $11, January 1st, 2021, to $12, and so on, until minimum wage reaches $15 on January 21st, 2024.

“I think it’s good but it also kind of sucks because by the time it goes up to $15, I will most likely have a job where the pay is salary not hourly,” said senior Morgan Ritesma. 

New Jersey will be the fourth state in the U.S to phase in a higher minimum wage. The phase of higher wage will be played out within a five year time period.

“I like that it’s going up because there are a lot of teens that have to save up for college and other things and the raising of the minimum wage may help teens with the college process,” said senior Francesca Zampella.

Murphy acknowledged the fact that raising the minimum wage too fast could hurt the state’s economy, which is why there are phases to the higher pay.

Lawmakers considered excluding teens under the age of 18, but with the help of teen advocacy, all teenagers are included in the increase in pay.