Led by Administrator Isabella Guzman, and joined by U.S. Rep. Andy Kim and other officials, the group met at Olga's Diner in Marlton to explore efforts that worked – and those that didn't – during the pandemic, in addition to discussing the ongoing challenges operators continue to face.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, two operators willfully denied overtime to 79 workers in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

“We are aware of the critical need for affordable housing in New Jersey and remain committed to investing in programs that help to make New Jersey more affordable to live and raise a family," said Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, who also serves as commissioner for the Department of Consumer Affairs.

Since February 2021,the program from the NJEDA has supported the purchase of more than 3.5 million meals from over 400 restaurants in the state's 21 counties.

After the new state budget was passed and signed during a marathon week in Trenton, criticism and frustration from the business community came swiftly, with many leaders calling it a missed opportunity.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority announced a number of personnel moves as a result of the new department, including appointing its former chief of staff Jorge Santos as chief real estate development officer.

Gov. Phil Murphy signed the largest budget in state history Thursday – a whopping $50.6 billion. And while some celebrated the achievement, leaders from the business community shared their frustrations with the spending plan for not doing enough to help.

Kevin Drennan's appointment as managing director of the firm's Garden State team comes a day after the outgoing executive director of the New Jersey Senate Majority Office was recognized in Trenton for his service.

The annual process hit its final stretch Wednesday, when both the full Senate and Assembly voted to pass the $50.6 billion spending bill and send it to Gov. Phil Murphy’s desk for his signature before the June 30 midnight deadline.

The public will have roughly a day to review the 277-page spending plan before the Senate and Assembly consider the proposal; the deadline for Gov. Phil Murphy to approve is midnight Thursday — right before the start of the next fiscal year.

The initiative, which comes as budget negotiations hit the home stretch ahead of the new fiscal year start in July, would apply to supplies ranging from pens and notebooks to paints and clay, and even textbooks or computers.

According to co-sponsor Assemblyman Roy Freiman, D-16th District, the legislation would assist more than 70% of the state's businesses. “With tax credits, we can offset the impact of any increases in unemployment insurance tax small businesses will see in the next few years," he said.