The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce applauds Gov. Phil Murphy for his optimism in describing his vision for New Jersey in 2021 and beyond.
When the governor gave his State of the State message last year, no one could have imagined the COVID-19 pandemic that brought unprecedented challenges to New Jersey and to its business community.
It will take more time and more help for our state’s economy to get back on its feet, but, just as the governor is optimistic about New Jersey’s future, the N.J. Chamber believes there are reasons for optimism about our state’s economic recovery.
As noted in his address, Gov. Murphy signed into law a sweeping new economic incentive package that helps make New Jersey more competitive and can serve as the foundation for the state’s economic growth.
We also welcome initiatives that promote innovation such as the venture fund encouraging public-private partnerships. We welcome the infrastructure investments the governor described in his speech, especially those for New Jersey Transit and the Portal Bridge project. We believe his continued investments in our education system are critical.
Additionally, the state Legislature is considering a variety of measures that will strengthen economic recovery. These include tax incentives for hiring unemployed workers and reopening the economy on a regional basis. This is the kind of legislation that can grow our economy.
However, as our many members tell us, it is critical to our state’s economic recovery that New Jersey businesses have ready access to capital if they are to survive the ongoing economic crisis. We urge Gov. Murphy and the Legislature to make access to capital for businesses a top priority.
Equally important to an economic recovery is that we “turbo-charge” our COVID-19 vaccination processes while ensuring all safety measures remain in place.
We urge our state government to help unleash the power of our business community by reducing taxes and the regulatory burdens placed on businesses.
The governor repeated today his long-stated goal of creating a fairer and a stronger economy in New Jersey. He recited a list of accomplishments that have made our state economy more fair.
Now we urge Gov. Murphy and the Legislature to justify the governor’s and the NJ Chamber’s optimism by putting the same energy and focus on making New Jersey’s economy as strong as they have made it fair.
A strong business community and thriving economy are the twin pillars on which we can be the national model Gov. Murphy wants for moving forward and making New Jersey the best place to live, work, and raise a family.