NEW JERSEY LAWMAKERS GOT THEMSELVES A PAY RAISE

New Jersey lawmakers on Monday passed legislation to boost their annual salaries from $49,000 to $82,000, along with raises for the governor and other top officials.

The Democrat-led Legislature approved the bill a day before a new session starts and when lawmakers take their oaths of office. If signed by Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, the bill won't go into effect until 2026, after Murphy leaves office and lawmakers face voters in the regular 2025 general election.

Lawmakers haven't voted themselves a raise since 2002, and some argued that the 67% increase is needed to keep up with rising costs. They also said they sometimes had to dip into their own pockets to perform the duties the job requires.

The measure faced strong objections from Republicans, who questioned the soundness of a pay raise.