Former CWA-NJ union head joins Murphy campaign
Hetty Rosenstein - who was referred to by the governor as “a force of nature for organized labor” in the state - will be a senior advisor for his reelection campaign as he squares off against the presumptive Republican nominee former state Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli in November.
What’s in store with Biden’s $1.8T ‘American Families Plan’
The president is proposing corporate and income tax hikes to pay for his latest package, aimed at bringing the nation out of the COVID-19 recession.
NJ looking at loosening mask requirements following CDC guidance
The recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control include a handful of settings where fully vaccinated people do not have to wear a face covering, among them: Outdoor activities regardless of the vaccination status, among people who are alone or gathered with immediate family members.
Biden team rolls out SBA grants for struggling bars, restaurants
Registration to get a piece of a $28.6 billion pot of money to help eateries devastated by the pandemic over the past year begins April 30. Applications will remain open until funds run out., with grants capped at $10 million per business, and $5 million per location, that must completely used by March 11, 2023.
Booker, Menendez vow push for NJ infrastructure funding in $2T Biden plan
The U.S. senators are outlining a trove of methods - including negotiations and budget maneuvers - they can employ to push measures through Capitol Hill, with or without bipartisan support.
Jersey City breaks ground on $6.7M downtown pedestrian plaza
The expansion includes the addition of a 400-spot parking deck and a 10,000-square-foot pedestrian plaza, which city officials said will “revitalize the commercial corridor and develop open space for community events.”
Murphy loosening rules on indoor events, outdoor venues and summer gatherings (updated)
The new orders will go into effect May 10, expanding outdoor gatherings from 200 people to 500 people while outdoor venues with at least 1,000 people will have their capacity set at 50%.
2 in 3 support Biden infrastructure plan amid deep partisan divides
The American Jobs Plan is the second leg of the president’s effort to jump-start the nation’s economy, following a $1.9 trillion relief bill that he signed in March.
After delays, SBA reopens applications for shuttered venue grants
You can apply to receive part of a $16 billion pot of money meant to help theaters, museums, venues and other live event spaces hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic beginning at noon on April 26.
Filling the gaps
The first awards under the state’s new corporate incentive program have yet to be handed out, but lawmakers are already considering how to clean up the $14.5 billion package. And Gov. Phil Murphy is apparently on board.
Green shoots
As the state begins to recover from the COVID-19 economic downturn, the industries hit hardest by the pandemic a year ago seem to be rebounding most quickly. Sectors such leisure and hospitality, and construction have boomed in recent months, posting some of the largest job gains this spring.
NJ no longer eligible for jobless aid extension after unemployment rate falls
With the state's jobless rate below 8%, a federal program will continue to provide funds at least through Sept. 4