A proposal that would raise New Jersey's minimum wage to $8.50 an hour is due to go before the Assembly on Thursday.
That would be a $1.25 per hour raise for 29,000 workers.
Proponents say the increase is needed to provide a living wage to those at the low end of the earnings scale. But opponents say business owners can't afford the increase.
New Jersey is one of 23 states with a minimum wage that mirrors the federal standard.
According to the U.S. Labor Department, 18 states mandate a higher rate than the federal standard and in four states it's lower.
A similar bill is pending in the Senate budget committee.
Gov. Chris Christie has said he's skeptical but would keep an open mind on the measure.
