Mikie Sherrill was sworn in on January 20, 2026 as the 57^th Governor of New Jersey.  Elected on the platform to make New Jersey more affordable, she faces significant economic hurdles as the state’s gross domestic product lags behind much of the nation, the unemployment rate is second highest in the country, and the job economy is slowing. Also, the state’s corporate business tax is ranked the highest in the nation impacting New Jersey’s competitiveness. She vowed in her inaugural address to “make New Jersey more affordable and open doors to opportunity across the state.”  She stated she is committed to fewer regulations and on day one signed Executive Order number 7, freezing the adoption of proposed and pending regulations for 90 days.

The Governor’s true test toward affordability will be her State Fiscal Year 2027 Budget message which she will present to the legislature in March. She needs to make significant budget cuts to address the current budget which is operating with a $4 billion budget deficit without introducing new taxes. NFIB wishes the Governor great success and remains hopeful the tide doesn’t change.

Business Emails for New State Notifications

On January 12^th, the last day of the 221^st legislative session, bill A-5422 was signed into law. This bill provides businesses with the option of receiving email notifications from the Department of Treasury and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development on new statutory and regulatory requirements and economic incentives related to their industry. Current processes require that all businesses registered in the State receive these updates via traditional paper communication. (Note: paper notifications will continue unless a business opts in).

NFIB supported the bill and will notify members when the state implements procedures.