So you know how the New York State minimum wage rose to $7.15 on January 1? Turns out New Jersey's has been there since October 1. Then, starting February 19, of course, New Jersey will allow gay couples to enter into civil unions. (New York's top court ruled out such unions back in July.) And now, reports the Times, a legislative committee in New Jersey has recommended the state abolish the death penalty, which would make the Garden State the first to do so since the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated the punishment 35 years ago. All of which brought us to a shocking realization this morning: Who knew we were living on the less progressive side of the Hudson?

Panel Seeks End to Death Penalty for New Jersey [NYT]