Assembly Deputy Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco, R-Morris and Somerset, issued the following statement on the minimum wage legislation approved today by Assembly Democrats:

“Increasing the minimum wage will not help New Jersey’s economy, especially now when we are recovering from one of the worst natural disasters in state history.

“Republican legislators and Governor Christie will not support legislation that will harm our state’s businesses and make it harder to create jobs. This end-around the Governor is a ridiculous misuse of the state Constitution and sets a dangerous precedent.

“If my colleagues on the other side of the aisle wish to support a constitutional amendment for initiative and referendum, I am sure we can have a bipartisan discussion on the issue, or we can work together to craft bipartisan legislation that will strengthen our economy, help create jobs and make our state more affordable for families struggling to make ends meet.”

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