34:11-56a4.8 Annual evaluation of adequacy of minimum wage.

3. a. The commission shall annually evaluate the adequacy of the minimum wage relative to the following factors:

(1) The overall cost of living in the State;

(2) Changes in the components of the cost of living which have the greatest impact on low-income families, including increases in the cost of housing, food, transportation, health care and child care;

(3) The cost of living in the State compared to that of other states;

(4) Changes in the purchasing power of the minimum wage; and

(5) Changes in the value of the minimum wage relative to the federal poverty guidelines, the federal lower living standard income level guidelines and the self-sufficiency standards established as goals for State and federal employment and training services pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1992, c.43 (C.34:15D-3) and section 1 of P.L.1992, c.48 (C.34:15B-35).

b. In furtherance of its evaluation, the commission may hold public meetings or hearings within the State on any matter or matters related to the provisions of this act, and call to its assistance and avail itself of the services of the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development and the employees of any other State department, board, commission or agency which the commission determines possesses relevant data, analytical and professional expertise or other resources which may assist the commission in discharging its duties under this act. Each department, board, commission or agency of this State is hereby directed, to the extent not inconsistent with law, to cooperate fully with the commission and to furnish such information and assistance as is necessary to accomplish the purposes of this act.

c. The commission shall submit a written report of its findings regarding the adequacy of the minimum wage and its recommendations as to whether, or how much, to increase the minimum wage to the Governor and to the Legislature, who shall immediately review the commission report upon its receipt. Each House of the Legislature shall consider the commission report within 120 days of the receipt of the report. The first report shall be submitted to the Legislature no sooner than October 1, 2007 and no later than December 31, 2007, and subsequent reports shall be submitted in one year intervals thereafter.

L.2005,c.70,s.3.