Trump admin rolls out looser rules for classifying gig workers
Should the move actually be implemented, it could score a major victory for businesses where gig workers make up the backbone of their workforce.
NJ Transit nears full staffing levels for train engineers
The graduation of new engineers is bringing the statewide transportation agency closer to its staffing goal.
Murphy nixes bill letting restaurants, bars expand outdoor dining
The governor vetoed a bill that would have enabled eateries to extend their footprint outdoors, and sell food and alcohol out of spaces such as patios, sidewalks, decks, yards and parking lots, arguing that the legislation sidestepped many different health and safety rules already on the books.
NJ labor officials received 1,200 COVID safety violation complaints
Of the grievances filed, a number were investigated and resolved, others were referred to appropriate agencies, while numerous showed that they were in fact complying.
Despite the November vote, cannabis is still not legal in New Jersey
A drafting error in one of the bills is causing its delay, the language is being cleaned up with the Legislature aiming to have the issue resolved by Jan. 11.
Murphy approves bill delaying multi-billion dollar unemployment business tax hikes
The state trust fund was plentiful and healthy going into the pandemic, and the new law to gradually phase in a tax increase over a three-year period in order to replenish the fund might be necessary.
Amid sluggish rollout, NJ starts 2nd dose of COVID vaccine
University Hospital in Newark workers were some of the first to receive the Pfizer shot in New Jersey. Monday, they complete their vaccination schedule.
Politics unusual
The 2020 presidential election was widely regarded as historic and unprecedented. COVID-19 and mass social distancing prompted tens of millions of voters across the nation to cast mail-in ballots rather than showing up in person at the polls. With hundreds of thousands of Americans dead, a total loss of normal routines and peace of mind, and some of the worst economic conditions since the Great De[...]
Minimum wage goes up $1 Jan. 1, worrying cash-strapped businesses
The wage increase will assist lower-earning New Jerseyans to get out from under the poverty line.
12 bars cited by ABC for violating COVID parameters; license suspensions suggested
Several establishments will temporarily lose their liquor licenses for violating the state’s coronavirus pandemic restrictions as we head into the New Year's holiday.
Unemployment benefits won’t lapse with new federal relief bill
The federal government indicated claimants will see no missed week of payments even though the bill wasn’t signed prior to the deadline.
Human services commissioner to join Biden COVID-19 response team as testing coordinator
Carole Johnson is leaving the Murphy administration to serve with the Biden administration where she will coordinate the federal effort to expand testing in areas hardest hit by the pandemic.