The measure going before the Assembly's Labor Committee also calls for annual adjustments in the minimum wage based on the Consumer Price Index.
Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver says boosting the minimum wage would have an immediate, positive effect on spending habits and quality-of-life. Both she and state Senate President Steve Sweeney have made increasing the minimum wage a Democratic legislative priority.
But Gov. Chris Christie has said he's not inclined to raise the minimum wage floor. If approved, it would be the first such increase in three years.
A divided advisory commission recommended the minimum wage remain unchanged this year.
