GOVERNOR CHRISTIE HIGHLIGHTS PROGRAM TO BRING HOPE TO SMALL BUSINESS IN 130TH TOWN HALL

GOVERNOR CHRISTIE HIGHLIGHTS PROGRAM TO BRING HOPE TO SMALL BUSINESS IN 130TH TOWN HALL

TRENTON (March 10, 2015): During Governor Chris Christie’s 130th town hall today in Somerville, he said something small business was happy to hear. According to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), freezing the pension system and adjusting unionized benefits will finally bring hope to small businesses in New Jersey. Christie highlighted that revenue will go up $1 billion next year without raising taxes. Unfortunately for tax payers, without action by the legislature, all of that money will be absorbed by the sins of the past.

“Health benefits, pensions and debt service are out of control in our state and it is stifling the growth of small business.” Said NFIB New Jersey State Director Laurie Ehlbeck “Instead of infusing next year’s economic climate with the $1 billion in revenue and providing tax cuts and incentives for Main Street, there is no choice but to pay for promises that were made almost 20 years ago without legislative agreement.”

Governor Christie highlighted his plan to improve the damaged pension system by lowering the health care plan of state workers from the federal classification of platinum plus to gold as well as freeze entry into the current system. This would leave those already in possession of a pension with the peace of mind that their pension and their benefits will survive the fiscal crisis.

“Without an indication that reform is on the horizon, small business owners are less likely to hire new personnel or expand their businesses. The thousands of members that we have in New Jersey are running out of time and patience for this issue to be resolved. Governor Christie has presented the legislature with a plan that should be negotiated in good faith, leaving the partisan bickering on the sidelines so that our economy can finally begin to improve.” Continued Ehlbeck.