NOTE: WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE TWO-WEEK LAPSE IN SENDING YOU OUR WEEKLY ROAD WARRIOR E-NEWSLETTER.  THERE WERE UNFORSEEN TECHINCAL DIFFICULTIES THAT HAVE SINCE BEEN CORRECTED.  I APOLOGIZE FOR THE DELAY AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE - SAL

November 30, 2007

GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!

Dear NJGCA Member:

WELCOME BACK!! I HOPE YOU HAD A NICE THANKSGIVING!!

Recently we have heard rumblings from columnists and legislators calling for a Gas Tax hike. A recent editorial claims it is the only way to fix our crumbling infrastructure. You can read it HERE.

None of us would argue against the need to fix our bridges and roads. Certainly this is a vital issue that needs to be addressed.

But here is something that you ARE NOT being told: The current system actually works if Trenton politicians stop raiding the Transportation Trust Fund to pay for other programs. That’s right – the same individuals who want to increase the Gas Tax are the same people who spend these funds elsewhere.

However, an uniformed public PERCEIVES raising the tax as the ONLY way in which to fix our infrastructure. Thanks to some Legislators and journalists, it is seen as the “silver bullet” solution in the court of public opinion.

But wait – It gets even worse. We still need to worry about proposals to sell/lease New Jersey’s toll-roads and the “Paid Family Leave Act.”

Governor Corzine’s still super-secret “monetization” proposal has the potential to raise tolls by 75% according to recent reports. This is obviously bad news for commuters and businesses that depend on these roads.

And Paid Family Leave will give employees ten weeks of PAID leave for the birth of a child or to tend to a sick relative. Not to mention an ADDITIONAL tax will be collected to fund the program.

When considered together, this makes a PERFECT STORM to harm New Jersey’s already fragile small-business community.

Higher Gas Taxes, higher tolls, and Paid Family Leave means ANOTHER burden on residents and your small-businesses.

It’s academic: 75% Toll Hike + Higher Gas Tax + Paid Family Leave = BAD BUSINESS CLIMATE.

See the articles we’ve included this week for more proof.

Why would residents even consider such proposals? Perception! The public BELIEVES these proposals are the ONLY solutions. They need to hear the other side. NJGCA is working hard to get our message out and change public perception.

New regulations and taxes ARE NOT the answer. Government must be held accountable and that starts with YOU and every small-business owner in New Jersey.

Thanks for reading; See you next week!

Regards,
Sal Risalvato,
Executive Director

IN THIS WEEK’S NJGCA ROAD WARRIOR:

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

• Legislating Business: Paid Family Leave rejected by business community
• Keeping Secrets: Judge says Corzine can restrict access to toll road report
• Key Legislator presses for higher gas tax
• Garden State toll-roads could see 75% toll hike by end of decade

NJGCA TAKES TO THE AIRWAVES TO DEFEND YOU!

• Did you hear Executive Director Sal Risalvato on the radio?

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

11/28/2007:
Legislating Business: Paid Family Leave rejected by business community
New Jersey’s business community opposes a measure that would create a new tax and allow workers 10 weeks of paid leave.

11/27/2007:
Keeping Secrets: Judge says Corzine can restrict access to toll road report
A Superior Court judge has ruled that the Governor can keep an $800,000 report on a toll-road sale/lease confidential until his “monetization” plan is complete.

11/27/2007:
Key Legislator presses for higher gas tax
The Assembly Transportation Committee Chairman supports a hike in the Gas Tax to fund needed infrastructure repair.

11/22/2007:
Garden State toll-roads could see 75% toll hike by end of decade
According to a new report, the details of the Governor’s toll-road plan calls for a 75% rate hike in the next three years with an additional 75% coming every four years there after.

NJGCA TAKES TO THE AIRWAVES TO DEFEND YOU!

Did you hear it? Were you listening?

Executive Director Sal Risalvato was recently on the radio to discuss the Predatory Towing Act and how endless “feel good” legislation is hurting New Jersey’s small-businesses.

Take a few moments and hear what Sal had to say. CLICK HERE