Capacity limits could return if COVID spread worsens, Murphy warns
The state has logged more than 6,000 daily cases for the past two consecutive days, the highest number since January
NJ jobless rate falls below 7% for first time since start of pandemic
The state has recouped 76% of the jobs - or 548,500 positions - lost during the pandemic recession, the New Jersey Department of Labor announced on Dec. 16.
Cannabis business license portal for adult use opens in NJ
By midday on Dec. 15, nearly 500 individuals and entities had established accounts on the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission's application platform.
COVID pushed NJ unemployment system too far. Now there’s a plan to fix it
New Jersey is one of two states that will take part in a federal pilot program to upgrade its infrastructure and experience.
Business groups skeptical lawmakers will address affordability in new year
“Let’s not forget that on Election Day, there was a strong message given to everybody that affordability was a big issue for New Jersey,” Tom Bracken, who heads the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, said during a press conference hosted by his organization, the New Jersey Business & Industry Association and the New Jersey chapter of the National Federation of Independent Businesses on Dec.[...]
Report: NJ pension can’t survive without cuts to benefits, investment shift
Despite the state's recent good fortune with its public worker fund, Garden State Initiative found in a recent dispatch that the system is still vastly underfunded and cannot hope to dig itself out of its current financial circumstances without steep cuts to future benefits and adjustments to its investments and contributions.
Murphy reiterates vow of no new taxes in first budget of 2nd term
The past four spending plans have included a variety of increases, including a millionaire’s levy on those earning above $1 million a year, and higher contributions for the state’s most profitable businesses.
Murphy: 70% of state workers fully vaccinated
The governor said the numbers represented "a good start and it’s going to get better, it needs to get better.”
Lawmakers take aim at pandemic unemployment tax hikes (updated)
Similar proposals gained traction over the summer, after the Department of Labor and Workforce Development revealed that New Jersey businesses would have to pay $252 million starting in October to replenish the state’s unemployment fund - the first of three such increases.
Key bill to slow Garden State ‘warehouse sprawl’ sees movement
“By taking these steps to exclude farmland from being classified as a redevelopment area or rehabilitation area, we are ensuring the protection of these vital spaces and preventing further warehouse sprawl, which will help keep New Jersey green for decades to come,” said outgoing Senate President Stephen Sweeney, a sponsor of the legislation.
COVID jobless benefits end this month for 80K in NJ
The state Labor Department is offering several return-to-work assistance programs, such as help with job searches, resume-writing, interviewing skills, and education and training.
Lawmakers weigh more COVID-related business tax breaks
The latest proposal would provide credits for wages that certain small businesses paid to employees to keep them on board over the course of the public health emergency.