
New Jersey has a great deal to be proud of – and an equally important opportunity in front of us.
According to WalletHub’s 2026 Best States to Live In report, New Jersey ranks as the No. 2 best state to live in America, finishing just behind Idaho. That recognition speaks to many of the strengths we know well: our outstanding schools, talented workforce, quality communities, strategic location and the many assets that make New Jersey an exceptional place to live, work and raise a family.
But another recent ranking tells a very different – and concerning – story.
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce announced today that it will honor 10 exceptional women who have used talent and hard work to create economic opportunities and help make New Jersey a better place to live and work. The women will be recognized at the 2026 Women of Inspiration Awards Reception, on Oct. 22, at The National Conference Center in East Windsor.
In a recent column, BINJE Editor Tom Bergeron wrote that with the FIFA World Cup behind us and the Fiscal Year 2027 state budget now signed into law, it’s time for New Jersey to shift its focus to what will ultimately determine our state’s long-term success: building a stronger, more competitive economy.
I couldn’t agree more.
We cannot afford to accept the status quo. The choices we make today will determine whether New Jersey becomes more competitive and prosperous – or continues to fall behind other states.
Today's CNBC's 2026 America's Top States for Business rankings reinforce what the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce has long been saying: New Jersey must make economic competitiveness and support for the business community a top priority.
We are disappointed that New Jersey slipped in the overall rankings from 30th to 31st as a state for doing business. Even more troubling, New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut all ranked ahead of New Jersey. Those are the very states we compete with every day for jobs, investment and economic growth. We cannot afford to continue falling behind our regional neighbors.

With Gov. Mikie Sherrill's signing of New Jersey's record-setting $60.7 billion Fiscal Year 2027 budget, another budget cycle has come to a close. It’s now time to look ahead and begin to focus on the state’s most pressing need: strengthening our economy. Attention should turn to advancing policies that encourage investment, promote growth and improve New Jersey's long-term competitiveness, all of which have been virtually ignored for way too long.
Supporting economic growth and the business community was not a central focus of this budget. New Jersey’s employers – those who create jobs, drive investment, and fuel our state's economy – were given minimal support.
New Jersey stands at an economic crossroads.
Nearly every week, troubling economic reports, business surveys, and corporate announcements signal that the state is losing ground in competitiveness. Declining corporate tax revenues, companies expanding elsewhere, growing pessimism among financial professionals, and struggling small businesses are all warning signs that cannot be ignored.
The good news is that solutions exist. New Jersey needs more thoughtful, pragmatic, pro-business legislation that encourages investment, supports employers, keeps jobs and economic opportunity here at home, and improves our overall business friendly ranking.