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Government

Welcome sign of a bar or pub, with reminder to wear mask and observe social distancing. Concept of new normal operations in a bar or restaurant.
Dec 17, 2021

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

Dec 16, 2021

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.

Dec 15, 2021

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.

Dec 15, 2021

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.

Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, Gov. Phil Murphy and Senate President Stephen Sweeney at the governor's 2021 Budget Address on, Feb. 25, 2020.
Dec 14, 2021

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.[...]

Demonstrators gather in Trenton on June 13, 2019 to protest legislative proposals which would affect public worker pensions and health care plans.
Dec 14, 2021

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.

Gov. Phil Murphy delivers his revised Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Address at SHI stadium at Rutgers University in Piscataway on Aug. 25, 2020.
Dec 13, 2021

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.

U.S Air Force 48th Fighter Wing administering Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
Dec 13, 2021

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.”

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Dec 13, 2021

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.

773 Cranbury South River Road, South Brunswick.
Dec 10, 2021

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.

Business center closed due to COVID-19, sign with sorry in door window. Stores, restaurants, offices, other public places temporarily closed during coronavirus pandemic. Economy hit by corona virus.
Dec 10, 2021

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.

Catering prepared at Benares during the pandemic. - BENARES NJ
Dec 9, 2021

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.