TRENTON, N.J. (AP) – New Jersey lawmakers passed a bill Monday that would increase annual salaries from $49,000 to $82,000, along with raises for the governor and other top officials.
The Democratic-led Congress approved the bill a day before the new session begins and lawmakers are sworn into office. If signed by Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, the bill would not take effect until 2026, when Murphy leaves office and lawmakers face voters in the 2025 regular general election.
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Lawmakers have not voted in favor of a price increase themselves since 2002, with some arguing that a 67% increase was needed to keep up with rising costs. They also said they sometimes had to line their own pockets to perform the tasks required by their jobs.
The New Jersey Legislature has voted to approve significant pay raises for the state Legislature and governor.
“I'm supporting this bill because it's necessary, not to increase my paycheck,” said State Sen. Dick Cody. The state senator will retire after this legislative session and has no plans for a raise.
The bill advanced out of committee over strong opposition from Republicans who questioned the soundness of the wage increase.
“Increasing salaries…is madness,” Republican Rep. Brian Bergen said during a recent committee hearing. “To make $82,000 a year is an absolute insult to the people you represent.”
Republican Assemblyman Jay Weber said Monday during floor debate that if the bill is approved, he would not accept a raise if he is still in Congress. Weber said one of the reasons he opposed the bill was because voters wouldn't be able to vote for a raise even if they wanted to.
The bill would also increase the governor's salary from $175,000 to $210,000 annually, and the maximum salary for Cabinet and other senior officials from $175,000 to $210,000. The special amount that lawmakers pay their staff will also increase from $135,000 to $150,000. Unlike some other states, lawmakers do not receive per diem or mileage reimbursement.
The Democratic Party expanded its majority in last year's parliamentary elections, winning seven new seats. The new Congress, which takes office on Tuesday, will include 52 Democrats and 28 Republicans. Democrats will maintain a 25-15 seat difference over Republicans in the Senate.
It is unclear how much the measure will cost taxpayers. The fiscal memo, which is typically added to bills that could increase the state budget, was listed as “currently unavailable” on the Legislature's site.
The New Jersey Legislature is considered part-time, meeting regularly from January to June, typically taking vacations during the summer and in the run-up to elections, and then returning for a lame-duck session.
There were various opinions regarding the pay increase for voters. Some thought it was fair, in line with the belief that all work should be properly compensated.
“People should be paid what they're worth,” said Arthur K. Brown, 56, who was waiting at a bus stop in Trenton on Monday. “If these people are working and you want things to be better, I think you should give them money.”
Michael Ray, 71, a trumpet player who works at an audiovisual studio in Trenton, opposed the pay increase.
“I don't think they need any more money,” he said. “I don't agree with that. People don't have money.”
Just a few blocks from the state Capitol, where the vote took place, Wray glanced toward the building and said he knows lawmakers typically wait until the last minute to pass budgets. “It's a travesty,” he said.
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Terrence Brown, a 53-year-old janitor (no relation) who waited at the same station as Arthur K. Brown on his way to work, didn't begrudge the lawmakers who were pushing for higher wages. He said pay increases should be given more widely.
“Everyone deserves a raise, not just them,” he said.
