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 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE: GREETINGS & SAL-UTATIONS! 

IMPORTANT INSPECTION PROGRAM UPDATE

Two weeks ago I talked to you about the inspections program in New Jersey.  This week I have more to report.  The battle over the future of emissions inspection in this state officially began earlier this week when I and several other leaders in the automotive repair community met with officials from MVC, NJDEP, and Eastern Research Group (ERG).  ERG was hired by the state to study New Jersey’s emissions inspection program, and compare the NJ program to other states, and then determine: what are the “best practices” that should be used in the Next Generation Emissions Inspection Program.  The next program is scheduled to take effect in May 2013 when the current Parsons contract expires.  And yes, I specifically said emissions inspections, because a return to safety inspections is not being considered at all (as painful as that may be to all of us).  There will be another meeting between ERG and NJGCA Friday morning; I will report to you about that next week. 

ERG is going to look at all possibilities for the Next Generation Emissions Inspection Program.  The options include:

1). Keep the present hybrid system we have now, utilizing both Central Inspection Facilities (CIFs) and Private Inspection Facilities (PIFs).

2). Move to a PIF ONLY system and eliminate CIFs, and sell the real estate that the CIFs presently occupy.

3). Move to a CIF only system and eliminate PIFs, (which is extremely unlikely).

4). Begin moving to ELECTRONIC style emissions testing that could be performed as easily as motorists driving thru EZ Pass.  This could include emissions kiosks where motorists hook up to a computer and perform their own emissions test.

ERG is aware of the report from the Governor’s Privatization Task Force which recommended closing the Central lanes and having all the inspections performed by PIFs. 

ERG is also looking at a totally automated inspection system that would allow roadside scanners to read a car’s computer wirelessly and see if it passes inspection.   There are different ways to wirelessly check people’s cars for emissions, but there isn’t a truly working model for any of the technology.   It’s likely that these technologies are the future and will eventually be implemented, but not until it is further perfected.  You probably remember how it took years of mistakes to get the EZ-Pass system to become widespread and to work reliably; automated inspections would face similar challenges.    BUT….exploring a pilot program in the Next Generation Emissions Inspection Program is a very real possibility.

ERG has posted a survey online for auto repair professionals AND motorists to complete.  I am requesting that each of you complete this survey IMMEDIATELY! You can fill out the survey by CLICKING HERE.  They are looking for answers from PIFs, professionals in the auto repair industry, and motorist from New Jersey.  The results they get from this survey will be considered in the recommendations they make to the state government, so please take a few minutes and complete this short questionnaire. 

There will also be a public meeting on October 19th.  ERG will be hearing testimony from YOU and the motoring public in order to gather information to help with their decision making process.  The exact details are still being finalized, but it will be held in Trenton from 7-9 pm.  Make plans to be there!!  It is critically important to you and your business that you let everyone know how the program should be structured to bring business in to your bays and to save the state over $30 million.

Some are concerned that if the program were totally privatized there wouldn’t be enough PIFs to meet the increased demand.  Let them know that you are anxious to perform ALL of the emissions inspections, AND that you are ready, willing, and able to handle them if the state closes the CIFs. 

ERG’s report is due in mid-November, and the state will decide on how to actually proceed by January 2012.  I am thinking of calling a meeting in mid-December for every Private Inspection Facility (PIF) and Emissions Repair Facility (ERF) in the state.  This depends on the direction MVC is moving at that time, and what we will need to do if necessary.  Motor Vehicle Commission Chief Ray Martinez has told me that he will be in attendance and we will discuss the future of the inspections program in New Jersey. 

I believe that the PIFs in this state were screwed when the inspection program was changed in 2000 and they were all screwed again in 2010 when safety inspections were eliminated not long after everyone had to buy new equipment.  I am determined to do everything I possibly can to prevent you from being screwed a third time.  My goal is to see all the Parsons facilities closed, the land sold off so they can never be reopened, and every inspection in this state done by private small businesses.

Please keep in mind that the state is going to move in any direction that saves the taxpayers money, and burdens motorists the least.  We must be vocal to make sure that the interests of small business owners that perform auto service are addressed.

Pay attention for communications from NJGCA in the next few weeks on this issue, and most importantly BE READY.  The future prosperity of your business is at stake. 

And make sure you fill out THIS SURVEY!!! AND make plans to be in Trenton on October 19th at 7pm.

Thanks for listening - See you next week!

Regards,
Sal Risalvato
Executive Director

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

10/6/2011:
State employees get more choice in healthcare plans after overhaul
After the landmark pension and benefit reform laws were signed into law earlier this year, state and local public workers now have a wider array of health benefit plans to choose from.  Government employee options now include low-cost plans as well as plans with narrower coverage.  The plans are being offered to employees after they were mandated to start paying more for their health benefits.  Two state panels approved 15 choices for public employees to choose from. 

10/5/2011:
Municipalities to save $267 million in pension costs under new law
After winning legislative approval and being signed into law last June, a new law overhauling public pensions and benefits are expected to deliver significant savings to state municipalities.  Under the new law, a greater portion of pension and benefit costs will be shared by public workers, shrinking the financial obligation for many New Jersey towns.  The new law is being challenged in court by a group of state workers. 

9/30/2011:
To achieve municipal consolidation, Governor proposes covering portion of costs
Governor Christie has proposed a measure which would aid towns seeking to consolidate.  The state, through the Department of Community Affairs, would cover 20% of the cost of merging two towns.  The idea comes on the heels of a movement to consolidate Princeton Township and Princeton Borough in Mercer County.  With 566 municipalities, many experts believe that municipal consolidation is one way to help achieve property tax relief for New Jersey residents.

9/29/2011:
Developer seeks to invest $1 billion in New Jersey wind market
Atlantic Wind Connection, a developer of offshore wind farms, is pushing an ambitious plan to create a 350-mile underwater transmission system, from New Jersey to the coast of Virginia.  The proposal by Atlantic Wind is only the latest company expressing interest areas off the New Jersey coast for wind-power generation, bringing the total to eleven developers seeking approval.  The Garden State is considered a prime offshore wind location due to the largely shallow waters along the coast.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES IN OUR “NEWS AROUND THE STATE” ARCHIVE 

MEMBER BENEFIT PARTNER MESSAGE

TMP Energy Solutions
Another Way to Save on Your Energy Bills

We have had a number of NJGCA members successfully reduce their rate per kWh   signing up through our energy saving program. We know it’s difficult to collect 12 months worth of previous electric bills to get an “accurate” analysis when comparing a variable rate to a fixed rate, but we now have another option available. 

This new solution is a power purchase option; the other program is still in full force and has saved members thousands of dollars. If you sign up for the power purchase option, you will be grouped with other NJGCA members until the minimum KW demand is acquired. By pooling the member’s usage together, you will be able to take advantage, as large energy users do, and receive a lower kWh rate.

Each member will receive their own contract. Each member is responsible to sign and return the agreement the day it is received in order to secure the price for their group.

Please do your due diligence, so when you receive the proposal and the agreement you will be able to make an intelligent decision.

If by chance, you still want us to assess you bills, to give you a price to compare, we will require12 months of your most recent utility bills.

There are no bills required, but we would still like to have one bill per meter on file to check account #’s, meter #’s  service addresses and other pertinent information incase there is a problem.

The term of the agreement is for 12 months. During this term period, you will have price protection against any energy price increases along with a low fixed kWh rate.

If you are interested in becoming part of this power purchase option, please contact Phil Apruzzi at the NJGCA.

Remember when you sign up your energy through the NJGCA Energy Program, TMP makes a considerable donation to the NJGCA Scholarship Fund through their proceeds. This has no affect on your rate, and costs you nothing out of pocket.

We hope to help hundreds of NJGCA members reduce their utility costs by participating in this and our other cost reduction programs.  Our purpose, in the endeavor, is to help NJGCA members lower their energy costs while supporting the NJGCA Scholarship Fund. 

Contact Phil Apruzzi at 973-376-0066 or email Phil at phil@njgca.org. Mention that you are interested in saving money on your energy bills. NJGCA & TMP Energy Solutions will handle all the rest.