Triple Play is a weekly NJBIZ feature that asks top executives in New Jersey to talk about three things related to their industry.
Michael Egenton is the senior vice president of government relations for the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, representing the business community on legislative and regulatory matters in Trenton.
We asked Michael for three things in Trenton that the business community will be keeping a close eye on in the next few months:
State budget: The governor will unveil his proposals for the next budget on Feb. 24. The Legislature will convene budget hearings with state agencies in April. May and June are always on the radar as we start to get insight as to how the budget will be balanced. We stand ready to support initiatives to grow the economy, especially further tax reform measures. We continue to oppose taxes on the “job providers,” such as the so-called millionaire’s tax.
Transportation Trust Fund: ForwardNJ, a coalition of stakeholders, has educated everyone from West State Street to Main Street on the state’s aging infrastructure and the need to replenish the TTF. An efficient, well-maintained transportation system is vital for our economic vitality and competiveness. We’re optimistic that the governor and legislative leaders, on a bipartisan level, will propose a solution to this critical issue.
Mandated paid sick leave: Sick leave is typically negotiated between the employer and the employee and should not be subject to government regulation. Mandating this would take that away from employers in a current legislative proposal.