Gov. Christie Reacts to Minimum Wage Hike

NEW JERSEY 101.5

Governor Chris Christie is happy with all the voters who picked him for another term on Tuesday, but he says they made a big mistake in approving the constitutional amendment that hikes New Jersey's minimum wage by a dollar and allows for automatic cost-of-living increases.

Governor Chris Christie speaks during an appearance at Jose Marti Freshman Academy in Union City (Governor's Office/Tim Larsen)

Christie made his comments at a charter school in Union City, where he held his first press availability in weeks.

"You just shouldn't amend the constitution to do this," Christie said. "We should've come to an agreement on how to do it legislatively."

Christie, as well as business groups, have claimed the change can force some employers to cut hours and lay off workers, or pass the increased costs on to consumers.

To reverse the hike and inflation clause, or adjust it, the issue would have to go on the ballot again.

The new minimum wage, $8.25 per hour, will go into effect January 1.