Senate panel approves poll worker pay hike

A bill to raise the pay of Election Day workers from $200 to $275 was approved today by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

New Jersey had a shortage of poll workers for the primary election, forcing officials to offer $400 for the 14-hour day.

The legislation, which effectively raises the hourly rate from $14.28 to $19.64, was introduced by State Sens. Jim Beach (D-Voorhees) and Joseph Cryan (D-Union) and co-sponsored by lawmakers from both parties.

The Senate panel approved a similar bill in 2019, but the Assembly never considered the measure.  The legislation includes a $5 million appropriation to pay for the added cost.