http://www.nfib.com/Keep up with the latest news, politics and events for small business in New Jersey.en-usEM3 iOnwebmaster@nfib.orghttp://www.nfib.com/object/IO_37073.html"We are disappointed Governor Corzine chose to sign this legislation and ignore the real-world experience of small business owners who have spoken out at great length about the difficulties this new law will create."Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36993.htmlIn an effort to save the state $85 million, Gov. John Corzine has announced that property tax rebates will not increase this year. The rebates, for those that qualify for them, will equal 20 percent of 2006 property tax bills, not 20 percent of 2007 bills. The bottom line is that most households with a total income of less than $100,000 will receive the same rebate this year as they did last year -- even as their property taxes increased.Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36726.htmlAfter passing the Assembly by a vote of 46-32-2, the amended paid family leave legislation, which will provide up to six weeks of paid family leave to employees at all businesses, was stalled when it returned to the Senate for a concurrent vote. During the voting session a procedural issue was raised that precluding the Senate from approving the legislation during the last voting session before the budget break. Legislative leadership and the governor continue to tell the business community that they are committed to seeing this bill become law this spring.Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36668.htmlRead the February/March 2008 New Jersey MyVOICE for details on such issues as lawsuit reform, property rights and health insurance.Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_27358.htmlSmall businesses employ the largest percentage of New Jersey's workforce, but the regulatory cost per employee to small firms is approximately 60 percent more than the cost to large firms. In fact, the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy reports that small firms -- with 20 workers or fewer -- spend nearly $7,000 each year, per employee, just to comply with government regulations and mandates. Government overregulation here in New Jersey is a significant barrier to economic growth and good paying jobs.Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36447.htmlSmall businesses that feel that they are unfairly burdened by government regulation will be able to take their case to court under legislation released recently by the Assembly Economic Growth Committee. This proposal, a priority issue for NFIB/New Jersey, would expand New Jersey's Regulatory Flexibility Act to permit businesses with less than 100 employees to appeal to the courts if they have been economically harmed by the actions of a governmental agency. In addition, the bill requires governmental agencies to simplify and consolidate reporting requirements for small businesses. This legislation now heads to the full Assembly for a vote.Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36350.htmlA survey of our membership released to the media helped torpedo the plan to raise tolls across New Jersey! The rapid and overwhelming response of our members -- 90 percent of respondents across the state opposed the proposal -- was a key reason the proposal was left for dead in the governor’s budget address this afternoon.</br></br><br>Your voice was heard loud and clear. While we face significant challenges in the weeks and months ahead on paid family leave and other issues, today was a great example of how important our collective voice can be in Trenton.Tue, 26 Feb 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36277.htmlThe governor has drafted a bill for his fiscal restructuring plan. We have not endorsed the plan or the bill. We are still analyzing the bill and have a number of questions and concerns about it.Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36102.htmlLast week, the Senate Budget Committee held its first hearing of the new legislative session and promptly approved a paid family leave proposal. The bill extends the state's temporary disability insurance program to cover workers taking time off to care for sick family members or newborn and newly adopted children. Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_36077.htmlThe Superior Court of New Jersey issued a critically important decision to private-property owners in a case dealing with the state's interpretation of how properties can be deemed "blighted" and consequently ripe for eminent domain takings. To the delight of property owners, the Superior Court overruled the trial court's decision and held that the law only allows a property to be deemed "blighted" in narrow circumstances. The National Federation of Independent Legal Foundation participated in this case and strongly urged the court to find in favor of the small-business property owners. Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35968.htmlRead the February/March 2008 New Jersey MyVOICE for details on such issues as lawsuit reform, OSHA rules and activism.Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35830.html"Small-business owners can breathe easier knowing that a hazardous proposal to encourage new lawsuits has been vetoed by Governor Corzine. The bill (S176/A1511) would have expanded the wrongful death statute to allow families to seek monetary damages based on mental anguish. Opening the door to lawsuits for mental anguish is a slippery slope, and would open the floodgates down the road to all sorts of lawsuit abuse."Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35769.htmlAs the 212th session of the state Legislature came to an end late into the night on Monday, Jan. 7, 2008, there was a frenzy of activity by legislators to get their priority bills enacted. In total the Legislature considered 177 bills on Monday.Wed, 09 Jan 2008 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35414.htmlRead the December/January 2008 New Jersey MyVOICE for details on such issues as the state economy, regulations and activism.Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35373.htmlOn Dec. 6, the Assembly Labor Committee is expected to consider A-3812, which has been amended to allow New Jersey employees to take up to 10 weeks of paid leave off every year to care for a sick relative or a new child. This proposal would be funded through an increase in the employee's share of the Temporary Disability Insurance payroll tax. This legislation would apply to businesses with as few as two employees.Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35278.htmlThe 2007 state elections held on Tuesday, Nov. 6, in New Jersey resulted in little change in the overall makeup of the legislature, as Democrats remained in control. In the State Senate, the Democratic Party picked up one seat and currently holds a majority with a count of 23-17. In the General Assembly, Republicans were able to pick up two seats, but still remain in the minority with a tally of 48-32.Tue, 06 Nov 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35206.htmlThe U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy has compiled the 2007 Small Business Profile for New Jersey.Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35127.htmlDespite ill-informed rhetoric that often cites the federal death tax as only affecting wealthy people, this tax affects all Americans, and it strikes no one harder than the small-business community.Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35065.htmlDownload a PDF of the winning candidates who were endorsed by the NFIB/New Jersey SAFE (Save America's Free Enterprise) Trust that were seeking election or reelection. NFIB's political support is based on each candidate's position and record on small-business issues.Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35097.htmlVoters in five states are focusing their attention on upcoming elections that could be considered barometers for what to expect in the 2008 presidential election. We're keeping a close watch on the following 2007 campaigns, as state laws and regulations often have an immediate impact on small business. Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_35033.htmlIt is expected that when the Legislature returns in November after the election, paid family leave will be a priority issue. Passage of this legislation would make New Jersey only the second state in the nation to impose a one-size-fits-all paid leave policy on all employers, regardless of size.Fri, 05 Oct 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_34891.htmlRead the October/November 2007 New Jersey MyVOICE for details on such issues as taxes, minimum wage and activism.Fri, 28 Sep 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/stateVoteNJ.htmlWed, 26 Sep 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_34161.htmlRead the August/September 2007 New Jersey MyVOICE for details on such issues as mental-health care, paid family leave and activism.Wed, 25 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_34059.htmlNine days before the constitutional deadline of July 1, Gov. Jon Corzine signed the FY '08 State Budget and Appropriations Act. The final spending plan totals $33.47 billion and avoids raising taxes for the first time in six years. He also signed several related bills designed to enhance collection of existing taxes.Wed, 18 Jul 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_33866.htmlWith five states holding elections this fall, NFIB is gearing up for another active political season--and a chance to help the voice of small business be heard at the ballot box. Tue, 19 Jun 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_33842.htmlFri, 15 Jun 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_33761.htmlThe National Federation of Independent Business Young Entrepreneur Foundation today announced the New Jersey recipients of the fifth annual NFIB Young Entrepreneur Awards, a scholarship program to set future small-business owners on the path to entrepreneurship. The NFIB Young Entrepreneur Award recipients will attend the university, college, community college or vocational/technical institute of their choice with $1,000 in tuition assistance from the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation.Thu, 31 May 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_33565.htmlRead the June/July 2007 New Jersey MyVOICE for details on such issues as eminent domain, paid family leave and health care.Mon, 28 May 2007 00:00:00 PST http://www.nfib.com/object/IO_33534.htmlWed, 23 May 2007 00:00:00 PST