BY KIM NARUNSKY

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Ballot Question 2, a newly proposed constitutional amendment which will increase the state of New Jersey’s minimum wage, has raised a lot of controversy among business groups. A statewide campaign to oppose the new plan was launched this morning at the Seaside Heights boardwalk.

Aside from raising minimum wage up to $8.25 an hour from the initial $7.25, the plan will also increase the consumer price index which raises issues for businesses. Tom Bracken, president and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, said he understands that business groups will continue to fight and oppose the matter, however, he will stick to his plan and wait until voting on November 5th.

Bracken said “Ballot Question 2 would have a chilling effect on economic growth, especially in the wake of Superstorm Sandy," he then added, "It would cause already cautious employers to cut jobs and reduce hours” reported Njbiz.com.

On his blog on NJ.com, Bracken also said companies who are considering relocating to New Jersey will rethink their decision, “when they see the level of government intrusion into the private section that this amendment represents.”

Chair of the National Federation of Independent Business and Moorestown business owner, Joe Olivo, said raising employer’s minimum wages would actually hurt the individuals who are supposed to receive help from the amendment.

Olivo stated, "The people who will suffer first and worst if Question 2 passes are the employees who need the jobs that we provide” said Njbiz.com

Those in support of the wage increase have been working towards allowing the plan to be implemented.

According to Njbiz.com, Gordon MacInnes, president of Trenton think tank New Jersey Policy Perspective, said "The business lobby's arguments against giving New Jersey's low-wage workers a leg up with a modest increase in the minimum wage just aren't supported by facts or history," he additionally stated, "The sky won't fall, jobs won't be lost and the economy won't collapse if we treat workers who are struggling to get by in this high-cost state with respect”