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The basics:

• NJ gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill proposes ‘Save You Time and Money Agenda’
• Plan aims to modernize agencies, improve customer service
• Goals include: halving license approval times, speeding permits
• Focus on cutting costs, boosting business growth and efficiency

At a campaign event in West Orange, New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill rolled out her plan to streamline state government to make it work better for residents and businesses.

Sherrill announced her “Save You Time and Money Agenda” at Llewellyn Parq Bar and Grill in West Orange. Speaking Wednesday, she noted the town’s legacy in innovation — particularly from Thomas Edison.

“So, we know New Jersey has this history. It’s always been a leader in innovation. And in my office, I’ve always worked to be a leader in providing government that you can trust and that is working for you,” the candidate said. “I’ve worked with mayors and public officials; I work with the Army Corps of Engineers to be accountable to the people I serve, to drive down costs here in New Jersey and deliver good services.

“And that’s what I’m going to bring to Trenton.”

‘It shouldn’t be so hard’

Sherrill said that right now it’s too difficult to navigate the permitting and regulatory environment.

“In some cases, I feel as if we have an administration that works too hard to get to ‘No,’ instead of working to get to ‘Yes,’ and to be a partner with many of our businesses, especially our small businesses,” said Sherrill. “It shouldn’t be so hard to operate here in such an innovative state.”

Sherrill shared a story about a recent discussion with a business owner who pointed to shorter permit times in Pennsylvania. She also noted the experience shared by Nadia Zapata, a West New York small business owner who spoke at the event (about permitting), saying it is unacceptable. And that serious change is needed.

Sherrill said she would make the government work in a cost-effective way for the state.

“By modernizing our agencies and cutting through red tape, we can truly make a difference for New Jersey families,” said Sherrill. “It’s critical for transparency and for accountability. So, here’s how I’m going to get it done.”

Key highlights of the proposed Save You Time and Money Agenda include:

• Pillar 1: Changing the culture in Trenton to establish a customer service focus at state agencies that puts convenience and accountability first. The move also aims to make agencies more accessible by directing them to expand the use of online services as well as cut card and convenience fees for online services. Additionally, calls for innovating and modernizing outdated state operating systems
• Pillar 2: Making it easier to start a business by slashing business and professional license wait times significantly – as well as eliminating business registration fees. Would also provide businesses and residents with online step-by-step guidance to navigate the licensing and regulatory process. Additionally aims to turbocharge the Business Action Center
• Pillar 3: Making it easier to grow businesses, create jobs and lower costs by establishing a cross-agency Fast-Track Team within the governor’s office to expedite project approvals. Also, creating a project dashboard to track permits and simplify the approval process; as well as making project approval timelines transparent, predictable and enforceable
• Reducing waits: A goal of 50% drop in average license approval time for businesses and professionals. A 25% diminution in the average wait time between booking an online Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) appointment and the date of the appointment. And a 25% reduction in the average permitting wait time for a business project

Noting that small business owners have taken a big risk in starting their businesses, which are so critical to local communities, Sherrill said Trenton should make it easier, not harder. “That’s the type of leadership and accountability that I’m going to bring to Trenton. We’re going to get to ‘Yes’ – and the buck’s going to stop with me.”

The state government impacts our lives daily. It should work for you. pic.twitter.com/o6ZEqjPxxX

— Mikie Sherrill (@MikieSherrill) August 14, 2025

Q & A

During a question-and-answer with reporters following the announcement, Sherrill was asked about the timeline of implementing this plan.

“I hope to see it rather quickly,” she responded. “Again, a lot of this is stuff – we have the ability to do this. We just, I think, have to set higher standards.”

She also spoke about the need to cut through some of the unnecessary regulatory burdens, such as the initial fee to set up a business. “I’m getting rid of that. Because when you’re starting your first small business, sometimes just those small fees are a real impediment. Especially your very small businesses,” said Sherrill.

The gubernatorial candidate pointed to her work representing the 11th congressional district.

She was then asked about how the use of technology, particularly AI would play into this. “I would love to utilize AI to get customers a better customer service experience,” said Sherrill. “So, I’m very interested in how technologies like AI can do just that, especially to save people time and money.”

As the press conference wound down, Sherrill was asked if there was a particular state agency she would target first to increase efficiency.

“I have several in mind. But what I would really target is making sure the commissioners – because that’s what my first job will be, is to appoint commissioners – share my sense of accountability to drive that throughout all of our state agencies,” said Sherrill.