- 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.
- 2016-10-03
N.J. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas Bracken's Statement on the TTF Replenishment and Tax Reform Agreement
The NJ Chamber of Commerce believes the agreement announced Friday afternoon by Governor Chris Christie, Senate President Steve Sweeney, and Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto is great news for New Jersey and we urge the legislature to approve these measures as soon as possible.
We also want to thank Senator Paul Sarlo and Senator Steve Oroho who began the work that led to this agreement.
It is important to look at this agreement in its entirety. On balance, it makes New Jersey more economically competitive and more affordable for everyone.
The benefits are very clear.
Investing $16 billion in the Transportation Trust Fund over the next eight years will allow us to upgrade roads, bridges and tunnels, modernize our airports and expand the capacity of our ports - all of which will stimulate our economy now and lay the groundwork for future economic growth while retaining and attracting new business to our state.
Eliminating the estate tax, reducing the state sales tax and the other reforms which are part of this package will result in new long term investments in our state, make our tax structure more equitable and our state more affordable.
I urge everyone to stop looking in the rear view mirror and pointing fingers about how we got into this situation.
This bipartisan agreement is transformational for New Jersey's future and we should all embrace it and support it.
- 2016-10-01
- Comcast Newsmakers
In a recent episode of 'Caucus: New Jersey', host Steve Adubato led a lively discussion on how to make New Jersey more competitive in attracting and retaining business. The panel featured the officers of Opportunity New Jersey: Tom Bracken, president and CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce; Michele Siekerka, president and CEO, New Jersey Busioness & Industry Association; Debbie Hart, president and CEO, BioNJ; and Ralph Thomas, CEO and executive director, New Jersey Society of CPAs.
- 2016-09-28
Bassler says the Contributions of Women in Science have been 'Undervalued'
Bonnie Bassler, whose work at Princeton University is changing the face of medicine and laying the groundwork for new antibiotics, was presented the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce's second annual Alice H. Parker Women Leaders in Innovation Award on Sept. 22.
- 2016-09-26
- NJBIZ
Lead New Jersey, a statewide leadership organization, named its “30 Leaders for 30 Years” at a gala event held last week in Jersey City.
The event, which honored individuals whose leadership has made “New Jersey a better place to live and work,” according to LeadNJ, also celebrated 30 years since the founding of the organization.
- 2016-09-21
A program instituted by the state Department of Environmental Protection, in which licensed consultants from the private sector are hired to help speed-up the permit process for companies seeking to clean contaminated properties, can be replicated by other agencies,said DEP Commissioner Bob Martin.