|
July 16, 2010
GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!
Dear NJGCA Member:
PROPERTY TAX CAP NOW LAW. PUNDITS & PINHEADS
Well that didn’t take long.
After informing you last week that the Governor and leaders in the Legislature have agreed to a 2% cap on property taxes, the measure passed both houses and was signed into law by the Governor on Tuesday.
As you will recall from last week, the bill creates a property tax cap which allows for only four different kinds of exemptions, which are 1). Capital expenditures and pay required debt service, 2). Pension benefits, 3). Health benefits, and 4). Funds used during natural disasters or states of emergency.
The one and only way to exceed the cap is through voter approval – meaning the residents themselves will ultimately control how high their local property taxes will rise.
Next, the Governor and the Legislature must tackle a series of 33 different pieces of legislation known as the “tool kit” that will re-write work rules, civil service regulations, collective bargaining procedures, healthcare contributions, and more. These bills are equally important since they will further curtail spending and allow for much fairer rules than those currently on the books.
We will update as more information becomes available, but remember that we must support the Governor in this effort. Yes, I’m just as infuriated as you are about Safety Inspections, but I also know that these changes will ultimately help you --- and your patrons --- survive and remain in New Jersey.
Privatizing the inspection system has become the focus of efforts in Trenton of late. Though by now I’m sure you are sick of hearing me talk about it (I am sick of talking about it), the war rages on and there is still much yet to do.
However, we aren’t the only ones who are focused on this issue and the news is spreading through media outlets like wildfire. In fact, we have also chimed in on this and I was interviewed last Friday on why moving to a private system is a good move for state residents.
Check out our In Case You Missed It e-newsletter from earlier this week (if you haven’t done so already) to see what we’re saying. Just click HERE
However, even as we diligently support the proposal, there are many out there who are dismissing the idea or taking cheap shots.
What am I talking about? Take a look at a recent opinion piece by Star-Ledger columnist Paul Mulshine (CLICK HERE) to see what I mean.
First, Mulshine has his facts wrong and incorrect in his assumption that PIFs will charge $75 a pop for inspecting 2 million cars each year. He claims this is nothing more than a way to extort money from the public.
Second, Mulshine dismisses the PIF community’s ability to meet this demand when he says, “Imagine the chaos when an extra 2 million vehicles are shunted into a system geared for a one-at-a-time emission inspection”. Again – it ignores the facts.
Thirdly, he states that the current CIF system works efficiently and that the state is only getting charged $14 for every inspection performed.
Lastly, Mulshine restates another pundit’s insinuation that moving to an all private inspection system would be a form of political patronage. What he’s essentially saying is that, by ending Safety Inspections, the Governor is now trying to pay off the PIF community with moving to privatizing the program.
I call this “lazy-journalism” at its worst – and it annoys me to no end that John and Jane Public will read his commentary and immediately believe what Mulshine is dishing.
As such, I hope you will allow me to retort and point out the flaws in his piece:
First, the bill creating an all private program hasn’t been written yet and we don’t know what the fee structure will be. However, I can GUARENTEE you that the price won’t be ‘set’ at $75 per inspection and that competition between shops will drive the cost down to keep prices reasonable. Moreover, he forgets that inspections are performed every TWO YEARS, so any fee would be spread out over that period.
Second, Mulshine obviously hasn’t looked up the number of PIF locations throughout the state. Currently there are 1,100 PIF locations in New Jersey and this number will only GROW as we move from a hybrid public/private system to an all private inspection program. I don’t know about you, but I like the chances of getting into 1,100+ conveniently located PIF shops better than waiting online at 31 state-run locations that always have long lines. Furthermore, since you have the ability to make an appointment with your local PIF shop and actually CHOOSE where you take your vehicle, moving to an all-private system will only better serve motorists. It will be far more convenient, allow you to get any needed repairs done efficiently at that shop, and not force you to wait though long-lines to have your vehicle inspected.
Third, the state doesn’t get charged $14 per inspection; it gets charged $18.71 per inspection now that Safety Inspections have been eliminated. That means that his accusation of imposing “almost $150 million in new fees” is inflated by $9,420,000. That may seem like I’m splitting hairs, but again, it’s just not factually accurate and it’s false.
Finally, there is no patronage here. We fought like hell to keep Safety Inspections as part of the process because we not only see tons of unsafe vehicles trying to pass inspections daily, but because it’s better for the motoring public. Trust me, the Governor’s Staff was tired of hearing from me and wanted me to shut up!! Any other way to paint this is a cheap shot that only hurts small business owners like you and those you employ!
So what is Mr. Mulshine’s ultimate solution? NOT to have ANY inspections at all!
Perhaps he has a point: less government interference in our lives = good public policy. I’d certainly take that, but this ‘solution’ IS NOT an option! Since the Environmental Protection Agency mandates that all states conduct emissions testing under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and the Clean Air Act, what alternative do we have? Failing to follow these regulations means New Jersey would face huge fines!! Can we afford to do that?
The answer is obvious, and so emission inspections must continue.
Mulshine’s piece is only ONE example, but you can see what we’re up against. The pinheads will be out in force to thwart our efforts and pundits like Mulshine will try to drown us out until the next budget cycle is complete. That means we’re in for a year long fight – and I need you ready and able to work alongside of me!
I want to thank everyone who reached out to me and told me they used waste oil heaters in their shops. As you recall from two weeks ago, new rules and regulations will go into affect that will impact such usage. We’re compiling a list of individuals who use waste oil, so if you haven’t done so already, contact us.
The gasoline market place has traditionally experienced some price fluctuations and increases over the summer months, but prices have remained relatively stable these last few weeks. Why? Well, first of all, demand has stayed relatively flat and supply has been consistent; that means that supply and demand forces are actually working. Secondly, with a down-economy and people switching to more efficient vehicles, any spike in actual driving has been offset by greater vehicle fuel-efficiency.
If we see any volatility coming on the horizon, we will be sure to update you.
Lastly this week, be on the lookout for our next installment of our On The Road publication. They should be hitting your mailbox today or tomorrow. We spend a great deal of time and effort putting together all our communications, so please take a few minutes and read through everything. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out to me.
Thanks for reading and see you next week!!
Regards,
Sal Risalvato
Executive Director
IN THIS WEEK’S NJGCA ROAD WARRIOR
UPDATE: NEW PIF CLASSES ADDED!!
•SEE DETAILS BELOW!!
POLITICAL PARTICIPATON: THE NJGCA PAC
•Participate in the NJGCA PAC today and help us keep our Agenda rolling in Trenton!
NEWS AROUND THE STATE
•State unemployment down, but worse than national average
•Transit tests quiet train-cars
•Gas Tax Watch: Provision may help avoid tax hike for transportation projects
•Christie looks to reign-in pension, health benefits for state workers
ON THE NJGCA HOMEPAGE
MEMBER SAVINGS PAGE
Check out all of our MBPs and Programs designed to SAVE YOU MONEY!
HELPFUL LINKS
Looking for something? Take a look at our list of useful links!
NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE
Find all our communications and search for old e-newsletters. Take a look!
NEWS AROUND THE STATE ARCHIVE
Need to catch up on events? Want to see what's going on? Find out here!
KNOW YOUR TERRITORY MANAGER!
Henry Darden: Territory Manager for Middlesex, Union, Part of Essex (Southern Half)
Cell: 973-477-0057
Email: henry@njgca.org
Jack Leli: Territory Manager for Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, Salem
Cell: 732-995-1637
Email: jack@njgca.org
Bob Quirk: Territory Manager for Bergen, Hudson, Part of Essex (Northern Half)
Cell: 201-214-8836
E-mail: bob@njgca.org
Frank Stewart: Territory Manager for Morris, Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon, Passaic
Cell: 973-234-7403
Email: frank@njgca.org
Don Stohrer: Territory Manager for Monmouth, Mercer, Somerset
Cell: 732-539-2955
Email: don@njgca.org
UPDATE: NEW PIF CLASSES ADDED!!
CALL FOR FUTURE CLASS SCHEDULE INFORMATION
THREE CLASS OPTIONS!!
1). NJ EMISSION INSPECTOR TRAINING CLASS
***SPECIAL NOTICE: All PIF & DIESEL INSPECTORS ***
ALL Private Inspectors and ALL Diesel Inspectors must be licensed as a Motor Vehicle Inspector and take the state approved training program.
NJGCA is offering a SPECIAL ONE DAY Emissions Inspector Class & Final MVC Test.
LOCATION:
Springfield - Union County
Class to be held at NJGCA Headquarters
66 Morris Ave.
Springfield, NJ 07081
CLASS DATE: 07/13/2010 OR 07/20/2010
ARRIVAL TIME: 7:30am
CLASS COST (INCLUDING MANUALS):
• Member - $299
• Non-member - $329
We will serve coffee/donuts in the morning and lunch at 12:00pm. You will take the MVC test at 1:00pm
NOTE: FUTURE DATES WILL BE ADDED UPON REQUEST – CALL DEBBIE AND LET HER KNOW YOU ARE INTERESTED IN TAKING THE CLASS!!
2). EMISSION REPAIR TECHNICIAN RE-CERTIFICATION CLASS
New Jersey Gasoline C-Store Automotive Association (NJGCA) is offering the ETEP course that your ERTs need in order to recertify their license.
Our Course includes:
• New Jersey State Specific Information Course
• ETEP Section 6 “OBDII Monitoring Failures”
• Section 7 “Light-Duty Diesel Vehicle Technologies and Testing”.
Everything your technician needs to Re-Certify his ERT license!!!
CLASS COST (INCLUDING MANUALS):
• NJGCA Member rates: $489.00
• NON-Member rates: $629.00
TWO LOCATIONS – NIGHT & DAY CLASSES
Springfield - Union County (TWO DAY CLASS)
Class to be held at NJGCA Headquarters
66 Morris Ave.
Springfield, NJ 07081
August 12th & 19th
8:00am to 4:00pm
Rumson – Monmouth County (FOUR EVENING CLASSES)
Class to be held at Junior League of Monmouth County
July 20th, 22nd, 27th & 29th
Tuesday and Thursdays
6:00pm to 10:00pm
3). INITIAL EMISSION REPAIR TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION CLASS
New Jersey Gasoline C-Store Automotive Association (NJGCA) is offering an INITIAL ETEP Certification course. This is the entire program, section 1 – 7. This is everything you need to become a licensed Emission Repair Technician.
Our Course includes:
• New Jersey State Specific Information Course
• ETEP Sections 1-7 – THE ENTIRE ETEP CIRRICULUM
• Section 7 “Light-Duty Diesel Vehicle Technologies and Testing”.
• EIGHT DAY CLASS
Everything to become an Emission Repair Technician!!
LOCATION:
Springfield - Union County (EIGHT FULL-DAY CLASSES)
Class to be held at NJGCA Headquarters
66 Morris Ave.
Springfield, NJ 07081
September 16th – November 4th (Every Thursday for 8 weeks!)
8:00am to 4:00pm
CLASS COST (INCLUDING MANUALS):
• NJGCA Member rates: $1,495.00
• NON-Member rates: $1,695.00
CALL FOR CLASS INFORMATION
PLEASE NOTE: We are always in the process of putting together additional classes. If you are interested in taking classes in this time period, please call NJGCA and let us know so we can add you to the list.
Call Debbie Hill to enroll in the classes at debbie@njgca.org or call 973-376-0066.
POLITICAL PARTICIPATON: THE NJGCA PAC
Ensuring our friends in the legislature are re-elected and advocating for our agenda in Trenton are of utmost importance to the agenda of NJGCA.
It is for this reason that your Association has established the NJGCA PAC.
For too long, the weight of funding our Political Action Committee, the arm of the Association responsible for political donations, has rested upon the shoulders of a few. This is not fair to them, and it is not fair to many of you who are relying on the benefits of good legislation being passed in Trenton.
To truly understand the importance of fundraising for our allies, let’s look back upon the overwhelming successes of the last year:
NJGCA successfully lobbied against BELOW COST SELLING. If approved, BELOW COST SELLING would have cost each of you thousands of dollars and put many of you out of businesses. NJGCA leaned on some of our friends in the Assembly and literally had the bill pulled off the floor on the day it was scheduled to be voted on. Our friends in the Legislature helped us get this accomplished.
NJGCA made history and led the charge to pass the most comprehensive protection of franchisees in decades with FIRST RIGHT OF REFUSAL legislation. FIRST RIGHT OF REFUSAL passed only because NJGCA and dealers throughout the state were able to lean on several friends in the Assembly and the Senate.
NJGCA has been rallying support for RIGHT TO REPAIR over the last two years among key legislators. This would end the practice of car manufacturers denying you the codes necessary to complete the repairs you make on your customers cars. Every state has tried to pass RIGHT TO REPAIR and no state has even been able to get the legislation out of committee. Because of our friends in the Legislature, NJGCA has been successful in getting this bill passed by the Assembly and now awaits a vote in the Senate.
I am asking some of you as individuals to make a contribution and attend a fundraising event sponsored by one of our friends in the Assembly.
However, we will not be able to host events for all of our friends, so the NJGCA PAC will have to make contributions. You will be receiving letters soon from the NJGCA PAC asking you to make contributions.
If every member contributes just $100.00 we will be able to provide the help necessary to ensure victory for our allies.
PLEASE SEND YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO:
NJGCA PAC
66 Morris Avenue
Springfield, NJ 07081
Please make your donation payable to NJGCA PAC
I understand that times are tough for all NJGCA members, but this is just as important as any battle we have fought in the past.
We have made great progress in Trenton. I hope that you will answer the call.
NEWS AROUND THE STATE
7/14/2010:
State unemployment down, but worse than national average
New Jersey’s unemployment rate declined by .1% in June but still outpaced the national average, leaving the Garden State with a 9.6% unemployment rate. While 5,300 residents found work in private industry, another 7,200 lost government jobs, with the majority of them having worked temporarily for the US Census effort.
7/14/2010:
Transit tests quiet train-cars
NJ Transit will conduct a 90-day pilot program to test the implementation of “quiet-cars” on select train-lines. The goal is to offer these cars to commuters who promise not to use cell phones, beepers, and other devices that make nose in an effort to offer a more subdued atmosphere to commuters. The experiment follows a similar program implemented by Amtrak.
7/13/2010:
Gas Tax Watch: Provision may help avoid tax hike for transportation projects
While the Legislature debates the need for a Gas Tax hike, a little known federal provision could allow tolls collected by the state to be counted toward federal matching grants. This specification could give New Jersey additional time needed to the funding problems associated with the Transportation Trust Fund while injecting as much as $1.6 billion into road projects.
7/12/2010:
Christie looks to reign-in pension, health benefits for state workers
On the agenda for this fall, Governor Christie is seeking to reform the pension and benefits system for current state employees. Christie, appearing on 77WABC Radio, stated that he feels the current fiscal crisis has created a situation where private sector employees are losing their jobs while public employees are shielded from the effects of the recession.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES IN OUR “NEWS AROUND THE STATE” ARCHIVE
|
