Business groups challenging Democratic lawmakers’ proposals

New Jersey's most influential business groups have formed a new policy organization to challenge minimum wage, pension and paid sick leave measures coming from the Democrat-led Legislature.

The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, New Jersey Business and Industry Association and others unveiled Opportunity New Jersey on Friday.

The groups say proposals to hike the hourly minimum wage to $15, require quarterly pension payments and mandate paid sick time threaten the state's economy.

Chamber of Commerce President Tom Bracken says Opportunity New Jersey will raise money from businesses and individuals to inform the public, but he couldn't specify how yet.

The effort comes after Gov. Chris Christie told business leaders in December to "get a spine" and thwart Democrats. Bracken says that had "absolutely zero" do with the new group's organization.

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