By Tom Bracken, President & CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
As we approach a major election, partisanship is dominating both our state and country, leading to confusion and stagnation. At the same time, businesses in New Jersey, large and small, are urging our leaders to set aside political differences and focus on what matters: improving the economy. The business community wants policies that promote growth and create jobs.
This strike could be a disaster. It is going to cause disruptions to world supply chains and negatively affect the New Jersey and national economies. As evidenced by the recent Federal Reserve rate cut, inflation was finally somewhat under control – and the longer this strike lasts, the higher the probability prices will increase. And who knows how long this will last. We do not want the holiday buying season to be interrupted, which is so critical to the health of the economy. We believe that anybody who has the ability to stop this strike, slow it down, and try to have the sides come to an agreement – should weigh in. The strike has the potential of being so bad that people who have the ability to mute this – should mute it. There’s absolutely nothing good about this.
Tom Bracken, President & CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
You’ve likely heard the recent buzz: New Jersey made a bold play to lure the Philadelphia 76ers across the Delaware River, offering an attractive deal for a new arena in Camden.
This move clearly caught the attention of Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, who quickly announced her own city’s agreement with the team for a proposed new arena in Center City near Chinatown.
However, the Philly “deal” still requires city council approval, and it already faces opposition from residents concerned about congestion.
We applaud the legislature for introducing legislation to address the alarming findings in the disparity study, which recognized the need for more equity in government contracting for Minority and Women-Owned (MWBE) businesses.
The imbalances outlined in the study have long been articulated by those affected – and is the focus of one of the Chamber’s economic priorities that calls for equal opportunities for MWBEs when it comes to securing not only public but also private sector contracts. Increasing supplier diversity spending with MWBEs has economic and social benefits for all by enhancing competition, encouraging innovation, increasing job creation and supporting communities. Solving for this inequity in a timely manner is what is best for New Jersey and its residents.
As the Legislature returns this month, our New Jersey Chamber of Commerce lobbying team will be back in the State House pushing for policies that will make New Jersey a better place for our members to run their businesses – and for their employees to live and raise a family.
We are motivated by polling that consistently shows that the economy remains the top concern for Americans and employers. A recent survey of more than 500 members of the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA) revealed unsteady views on the state’s economy for the second half of 2024, with 43% expecting it to worsen.
Acting Governor Nicholas Scutari today signed A4360/S3402, also known as the “New Jersey Design Professional Self-Certification Act.” The bill requires the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to establish a design professional self-certification program.
Congressman Bill Pascrell was the true definition of a New Jerseyan and a great friend of the business community. His door was always open when the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce staff needed counsel and support on issues critical to New Jersey. He was especially an advocate for small businesses and ensuring our transportation and energy infrastructures were best in class. Congressman Pascrell was a regular on our Walk to Washington during his nearly three decades in Congress and while serving as a State Assemblyman and mayor. Our state could not have asked for a better representative. He will be missed and we offer his family our deepest condolences.
Thomas A. Bracken, CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
George Helmy was an excellent choice to fill the U.S. Senate seat. As chief of staff, he was truly exceptional and one of the best. George was responsive, professional, objective, respectful – and he was a true asset to Gov. Murphy and the state. We are fortunate that he will bring all these qualities to the U.S. Senate. We wish him well and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce is ready to assist him in any way.
Tom Bracken, president & CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
We understand the benevolent spirit in which Governor Murphy announced the NJ TRANSIT fare holiday. However, coming less than two months after a debate concluded regarding the agency’s dire fiscal health, and the need for the business community to come to its rescue, this begs the question as to which is better – a fare holiday or keeping the money to address the financial woes of NJ TRANSIT? We would have preferred the latter.
Tom Bracken, President & CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
Very sad news. Michael Aron was a New Jersey political broadcast legend, the Dean of the state's press corps, and he will be sorely missed. Michael was a regular on our Walk to Washington (he was our keynote speaker in 2016) and was a special guest at many of our events. It was always great television when he hosted Reporter's Roundtable or On the Record - and when he provided in-depth commentary on political happenings over the many years of his outstanding career. Michael was the GOAT of New Jersey journalists.
Thomas A. Bracken, President, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce