Quick Hits Our take on this week’s headlines

NJBIZ STAFF//April 5, 2015//

Quick Hits Our take on this week’s headlines

NJBIZ STAFF//April 5, 2015//

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On the list this week: The ACA, Montclair and Atlantic City.

ACA
The Affordable Care Act helped more than 400,000 New Jerseyans gain insurance through Medicaid, but a study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the state ranks last in the nation in doctors willing to treat them. New Jersey is the only state where fewer than half of the doctors accepted new Medicaid patients. And, at 38.7 percent, it’s a lot fewer than half.

Our take: We’ve said it before — the ACA gave many a health insurance card, but not necessarily a place to use it. Gaining access to care is still a challenge.

Montclair
Montclair was named one of three winners of the National Main Street Center’s Great American Main Street Award for 2015. The award is given to areas that are the best examples of comprehensive commercial district revitalization.

Our take: Town centers are one of the things that make New Jersey great; more needs to be done to help them flourish. We’re surprised the state has only won the award one other time (Westfield in 2004).

Atlantic City
A movement to designate Atlantic City as the state’s 33rd Urban Enterprise Zone heads to the Senate after being passed by the Assembly. The designation would offer property tax relief and allows participating (nongaming) businesses to be eligible for a host of tax exemptions and tax credits.

Our take: What took so long? Jobs are the biggest need of our cities — this could only help spur more companies to create them.

Each week in Face Time, NJBIZ editors approximate Chris Christie’s mood and facial expressions based on the news.

FACE TIME:BEST AND WORST

Gov. Chris Christie was at his best when he called out a questioner at a recent town hall, asking her to back up her statements on the Exxon settlement. But the manner in which he did — and whom he addressed (an older female school teacher) will not sit well with many.