Episode Four features Brandon McKoy, Director of Government and Public Affairs at New Jersey Policy Perspective (NJPP.)  At NJPP, Brandon helps to ensure that NJPP's research, advocacy and government relations activities are successfully driving a state policy agenda for economic justice and shared prosperity. He also produces timely, credible and accessible research and analysis on issues including, but not limited to, economic security, the social safety net and economic opportunity. Brandon's research interests include: the minimum wage, paid sick leave, the earned income tax credit, equitable internet access, affordable housing, urban planning and criminal justice.   In this Episode, we discuss the Fight for a Clean $15 Minimum Wage bill.  Legislation was introduced late last year to increase NJ's minimum wage to $15/ hour.  But, it was written with carve-out's for certain workers. Is this equitable and fair?  Let's hear what Brandon thinks and debunk some of the fears that have been brought up by small business owners and other interests. (Note that since this episode was recorded, Governor Murphy and Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin have come to an agreement which modifies some of the carve-out's and the phase in's.  The bill is expected to be put up for a vote in the coming weeks.)  For details on the latest agreement, click here:   https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/562019/approved/20190117d.shtml   Brandon earned a BS in Social Psychology from The College of New Jersey and a Master's in City and Regional Planning from the Edward J. Bloustein School for Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University.