- 2016-11-28
- New Jersey 101.5
Health care is moving away from a volume-focused fee-for-service model toward patient-centered primary care homes that reward providers for healthy outcomes.
If you have little idea what that means, join the club.
A new public education project is getting off the ground to try to both understand consumers’ concerns and teach them how to get the most out of the healthcare system. Even some of Better Choices, Better Care NJ’s steering committee members say they joined the effort in part so they can learn.
- 2016-11-21
Gov. Chris Christie and the Legislature adopted positive and transformational legislation that invests $16 billion in road and mass transit upgrades over the next eight years; and reforms the state’s tax codes, including something that the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce has long fought for - the phasing out of New Jersey’s estate tax.
- 2016-11-07
N.J. Chamber President Tom Bracken, chairman of Forward NJ, led a State House press conference Nov. 3 to discuss the importance of voter passage of Ballot Question 2, which would constitutionally dedicate all gas tax revenue to transportation improvements.
Forward NJ refutes recent claims suggesting that a 'no' vote on Question 2 is a vote against the gas tax increase. Failure to pass Question 2 would not change the state’s gas tax, but instead would allow $1 billion in gas tax revenue to be syphoned away for other purposes. Let's not allow that. Vote 'Yes' on Question 2.
“New Jersey now has the long-term, sustainable, and reliable source of transportation funding it needs,” Bracken said. “What we do not have, however, are protections for $1 billion of that funding. Ballot Question 2 solves that problem, and will ensure that our gas tax dollars go exactly where they should be going: to fixing our roads, bridges, and commuter rails.”
Vote ‘Yes’ on Question 2.
For more info, click here.
- 2016-10-28
"We are not as healthy a population as we should be," New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Cathleen Bennett told an audience of NJ Chamber members this morning at an N.J. Chamber roundtable breakfast at the National Conference Center in East Windsor.
- 2016-10-27
- Star-Ledger Guest Columnist
The state was witness to a historic moment earlier this month. A bipartisan group of lawmakers came together and solved our state's transportation funding crisis.
New Jersey now has the long-term source of funding it needs to fix our infrastructure. But there is one more piece to this puzzle: On Nov. 8, voters must vote "Yes" on Ballot Question 2 to ensure every dollar of the state's gas tax goes toward infrastructure funding.
- 2016-10-27
New Jersey Chamber of Commerce members exchanged business cards and discussed the latest Chamber programs, events and ways to grow their businesses at a networking event October 26 at Bayshore Community Hospital in Holmdel.
- 2016-10-26
A 'Yes' Vote Will Ensure All State Gas Tax Revenue is Constitutionally Dedicated to Funding Transportation Projects
Over the past few weeks, we have seen transformational legislation passed by the state Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Christie - legislation that will go a long way in restoring New Jersey's long-term economic health and making our state more affordable for everyone.
To ensure we protect this progress, we urge you to vote "Yes" on Ballot Question 2 on Nov. 8.
Ballot Question 2 ensures all revenue from the recently enacted gas tax must be constitutionally dedicated to the Transportation Trust Fund, allowing the state to finally get to work on rebuilding New Jersey's crumbling roads and bridges.
The successful passage of Question 2 will end the misuse of funds meant for transportation infrastructure, and it will provide a sustainable and steady source of funding for our infrastructure.
If Question 2 does not pass, New Jersey's transportation system could quickly revert to a broken system.
Given that New Jersey has the eighth worst bridges in the nation and road conditions that cost the average motorist more than $2,600 per year in operating costs, accidents and traffic delays, this dedicated funding source would provide safety and a much-needed economic boost for New Jerseyans.
Improved infrastructure means less congestion and traffic for New Jersey commuters and improved efficiency for businesses.
Voting 'Yes' on Question 2 also will require the out-of-staters who use New Jersey's roads to pay their fair share when they fill-up in New Jersey.
To find your voting location, click here.
Reviewing Our Tax Reform Victory: Elimination of the Estate Tax
The landmark legislation that restores critical transportation funding also brings something the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce has spent years fighting to enact: the phase out of the New Jersey estate tax.
"For too long, New Jersey has been one of only two states in the nation with both an estate tax and an inheritance tax," said Tom Bracken, president and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. "That double taxation is a reason why many executives leave New Jersey before they retire; and why they think twice before moving or expanding their companies here. The result has been a loss of income tax revenue and a loss of jobs for the people of New Jersey."
"This tax reform sends a clear signal that New Jersey is open for business," Bracken added.
Sales and Income Tax Cuts
Other important tax reform in this legislation includes a reduction in the state sales tax, and much needed tax relief to seniors, veterans and low income workers through income tax cuts.
"When put altogether, this legislation will make New Jersey a more affordable place to work, to live and to retire," said Michael Egenton, executive vice president of government relations at the N.J. Chamber of Commerce. "It's important that we do our part on Nov. 8 and vote 'Yes" on Question 2."
- 2016-10-20
There was a fourth presidential debate, and it was hilarious. Top Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump impersonators squared off at the Pines Manor in Edison on Sept. 20, hosted by the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.
- 2016-10-14
N.J. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas Bracken's Statement on Gov. Christie Signing the TTF Funding and Tax Reform Legislation
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce thanks Gov. Chris Christie for signing into law the landmark and transformational legislation that will be a catalyst for economic growth in New Jersey for years to come, and benefit everyone who lives and works here.
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce also thanks Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto for their bipartisan leadership in making this legislation possible.
We also acknowledge and thank Sens. Paul Sarlo and Steve Oroho for the effective work they did originating this legislation. We also appreciate the leadership demonstrated by Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald and Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick.
Finally, we thank the members of the State Senate and State Assembly from both parties who had the courage to stand up and vote for this legislation and do what is right for New Jersey.
To ensure that every single cent of the gas tax is constitutionally dedicated to the Transportation Trust Fund, the State Chamber urges everyone to vote 'Yes' to Question 2 on Nov. 8. By voting 'Yes', the TTF will have the reliable, sustainable and long-term funding source it has needed for decades.
- 2016-10-07
N.J. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas Bracken's Statement on the TTF Funding and Tax Reform Legislation
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce applauds the passage of today's landmark legislation and we look forward to Gov. Christie signing it.
We believe this legislation will be a catalyst for economic growth in New Jersey for years to come and it will benefit everyone who lives and works here.
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce acknowledges and thanks Gov. Chris Christie, Senate President Steve Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto for their bipartisan leadership in making this legislation possible.
We also acknowledge and thank Sens. Paul Sarlo and Steve Oroho for the effective work they did originating this legislation. We also appreciate the leadership demonstrated by Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald and Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick.
Finally, we thank the members of the State Senate and State Assembly from both parties who voted for this legislation.
The future of New Jersey is brighter beginning today.