March 7, 2008

GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!

Dear NJGCA Member:

TRENTON & PAID FAMILY LEAVE: ~~THE GOOD~~, ~~THE BAD~~, THE UGLY

NJGCA has worked hard to deliver our message in Trenton against Paid Family Leave. We’ve had meetings with Legislators, testified before Committees, and worked side-by-side with other leading business groups to oppose this bill.

The one truth we have gained from these efforts is this: Legislators simply do not get it.

In the latest example of what NOT to do in repairing an already wounded State economy, the Paid Family Leave Act was passed in the State Senate earlier this week.

Despite our best efforts, and endless talk by lawmakers in doing what’s “fair” and “right” for New Jersey’s business community, Legislators killed a floor-amendment to exempt small-businesses.

What’s more, Legislators openly admit that small-businesses know best when dealing with family leave issues! We heard passionate speeches from key lawmakers opposing this legislation and calling for a small-business exemption during deliberations – only to vote FOR the proposal 20 minutes later!

Simply shameful.

We have more to report on the bill’s passage in this week’s Trenton Traffic Report, but the lesson is clear: Elections Matter! Before casting your next ballot, make sure your candidate understands what the business community needs to survive in New Jersey.

This week I attended the Southeast Petro-Food Marketing Exposition in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The event featured the latest in retail petroleum technology, marketing and education seminars. I made a number of business connections and feel it was a worth while event. I will bring you more details in next week’s Road Warrior.

Thanks for reading. See you next week!

Regards,

Sal Risalvato
Executive Director

IN THIS WEEK’S NJGCA ROAD WARRIOR:

TRENTON TRAFFIC
State House Legislative Report

•State Senate Passes Paid Family Leave

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

•Survey Says: Garden State government near bottom of the heap
•Promised property tax rebates may disappear
•Budget Crunch Blues: New Toll on Routes 78 and 80?
•Key Lawmaker predicts 45% Toll-Hike and Gas Tax incre

UPCOMING EVENTS

•AASP/NJ-Northeast 2008 Regional Autobody / Automotive Trade Show
TRENTON TRAFFIC
State House Legislative Report

STATE SENATE PASSES PAID FAMILY LEAVE

On Monday, the full State Senate passed S-786, the Paid Family Leave Act, by a 22-16 margin.

The legislation seeks to extend 6-weeks of PAID leave every year to all employees.

An amendment was offered by Senator Kevin O’Toole (R-40th District) which would exempt small-businesses with 50 employees or less, but it was defeated by Senator Sweeney (D-3rd District) and members of the majority, 22-15.

NJGCA was in the State House during the proceedings and spoke with key Legislators against the bill. There was large sentiment that New Jersey’s Paid Family Leave Act must follow Federal regulations and exempt small businesses from being included.

Some members were sympathetic to small businesses and spoke in favor of an amendment. However, these same Legislators – Senator Paul Sarlo (D-36th District), Senator Nick Scutari (D-22nd District), and Senator Nia Gill (D-34th District) – later voted FOR the measure once it seemed the bill would not pass without their support.

Apart from 15 Republican Senators voting against Paid Family Leave, only Senator Ronald Rice (D-28th District) and Senator Shirley Turner (D-15th District) both defended small-businesses AND stayed firm in opposition to the bill when the final vote was tallied. Pro-Labor Republican Senator Bill Baroni (R-14th District) sided with the majority to pass the legislation.

The bill is now headed to the Assembly Appropriations Committee where it will be heard in conjunction with A-873, the Assembly version of the Paid Family Leave Act.

NJGCA will continue to fight for a small business amendment in the Assembly and will update you as the process unfolds.

Click HERE to read a recent NJGCA Press Release condemning passage of the Paid Family Leave Act.

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

3/5/2008:
Survey Says: Garden State government near bottom of the heap
A recent survey conducted by the Pew Center on States gives New Jersey government a “C” average, citing government ineffectiveness and fiscal problems as key contributors. Only Rhode Island and New Hampshire received a lower grade among northeastern states.

3/5/2008:
Promised property tax rebates may disappear
In the face of budget constraints and a massive funding shortfall, Trenton lawmakers will consider cutting property tax rebates to all homeowners. Critics contend that the promised rebates were part of a larger election-year scheme that will undoubtedly hurt state residents.

3/5/2008:
Budget Crunch Blues: New Toll on Routes 78 and 80?
Governor Corzine had a lunch meeting with a business group which proposes new tolls be added to Routes 78 and 80. The Governor said he would consider the proposal, but doubts it would gain traction as his own toll-hike plan is foundering.

3/4/2008:
Key Lawmaker predicts 45% Toll-Hike and Gas Tax increase
Senator Ray Lesniak (D-20th District) believes Toll and Gas Tax hikes are inevitable and will create the needed funding for transportation repairs. He proposes a 45% toll-road hike and as much as an additional 18¢ be added to the Gas Tax.

UPCOMING EVENTS

AASP/NJ-NORTHEAST 2008 REGIONAL AUTOBODY / AUTOMOTIVE TRADE SHOW

March 28-30, 2008
Rockland Community College Field House - Suffern, New York
www.rocklandexpo.com/northeastregional

We have been invited by our friends at the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) to attend a 3 day trade show. There will be over 400 booths and over 140 companies in attendance, representing in the repair equipment and business software products industry.

NJGCA will have a booth at the event and will provide free tickets to any members would like to attend.

This is a great opportunity to see the latest technology, equipment, services, and related suppliers in person!

Northeast Regional Autobody Automotive Trade Show c/o Rockland Exposition Inc.
388 East Main Street
Middletown NY 10940
info@rocklandexpo.com
800.223.4648