Governor Jon Corzine earlier this month created a special commission to make government more efficient and effective by enlisting the help of a variety of experts to examine every aspect of State government. Corzine signed an executive order creating the New Jersey Commission on Government Efficiency and Reform on April 7. The commission will evaluate the State budget and the structure of State agencies and recommend changes to the way government operates and spends taxpayers' money. The commission will consist of 13 members appointed by Corzine and will be chaired by Richard Leone, a former State Treasurer and chairman of the Governor's transition after last November's election.
Corzine pledged to form the commission during his first budget address as a way to combat what have become annual multibillion dollar budget deficits. (The State is confronting its fourth budget deficit of more than $2 billion in as many years.) The commission is scheduled to issue its first report three months after its first meeting and will continue to offer suggestions on an ongoing basis afterwards.
In his announcement, Corzine said the commission would not be limited strictly to State government, but would include a comprehensive analysis of how all governments spend taxpayers' dollars. The review will include independent authorities, local school districts and other governmental entities as well as State agencies. The commission will report on issues such as regionalization and shared services, the structure of the State workforce, and the accessibility and efficiency of higher education. The idea, Corzine said, is to get the best ideas from business, labor, education, and government leaders to ensure that State government gives taxpayers the best service at the lowest cost.
Smoking Ban In Effect for Almost All Workplaces and Public Buildings—As of April 15, smoking has been banned in virtually all public and private workplaces, including office buildings, State or local offices, theaters and concert halls, public libraries, museums, bars, restaurants, parking facilities, break rooms, waiting rooms, sports venues, shopping malls, retail stores, hotels, and apartment building lobbies. A limited number of businesses are exempt from the law: casino floors, cigar bars, tobacco retail stores, private homes and automobiles. Also, a hotel may permit smoking in up to 20 percent of its guest rooms.
Businesses are required to post signs at all public entrances to their buildings saying smoking is prohibited. Signs must also be posted in any areas where smoking may be allowed. A person who smokes in violation of the act is subject to a fine of not less than $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second offense and $1,000 for each subsequent offense. A person who fails to comply with an order from the NJ Department of Health (DOH) or the local board of health concerning a violation is subject to the same fines. For questions and to obtain “No Smoking” signs, contact the DOH Web site at www.smokefree.nj.gov.
Meet New DEP Commissioner Lisa Jackson at April 26 Meet the Decision Makers Event—Find out what new NJ Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa Jackson has in mind for enforcing New Jersey's environmental laws and regulations at the Wednesday, April 26, Meet the Decision Makers breakfast. Also, signup now to find out what's going on with State business taxes and spending straight from State Treasurer Bradley Abelow at the Friday, May 5, Meet the Decision Makers program. NJBIA's Meet the Decision Makers breakfasts allow you to get to know the key members of Governor Jon Corzine's cabinet. Each breakfast will begin with registration at 7:45 a.m. and be held at Forsgate Country Club, Monroe Township, just off of Turnpike exit 8A. The cost to attend each breakfast is $69 per person for NJBIA members and $105 for nonmembers. For more information, contact Stacy Wichner at 609-393-7707, ext. 213, or register online.
NJBIA-Rutgers Economic Forum, May 10—Find out where the economy and key industry sectors are headed and what should be done to improve the State's business climate at this Economic Forum brought to you by NJBIA and the Rutgers Business School in Newark and New Brunswick. The forum will feature nationally known investment consultant Joseph Battipaglia, executive vice president of Ryan Beck & Co, and a panel discussion featuring CEOs from New Jersey's key industries—commercial real estate, pharmaceuticals, logistics and technology. The panelists are: Mark Yaeger of The Gale Company; Donald Drakeman of Medarex Inc.; Bud Cass of Advanced Cerametrics, Inc.; and Jon Shevell of New England Motor Freight. Howard Tuckman, dean of Rutgers Business School in Newark and New Brunswick, will moderate the discussion. The forum will be held at the Doubletree Hotel, Newark Airport, Elizabeth from 7:45 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The cost is $49 per person for NJBIA member and $89 for nonmembers. For more information, contact Katie Wittkamp at 609-393-7707, ext. 239, or register online. To become a sponsor, contact Sherry Esteves at ext. 219.
Nominate Your Company for an Award for Excellence by May 12—NJBIA annually presents its Awards for Excellence to member companies that excel in job creation, environmental protection, human resources management, and public service. Don't miss this opportunity to have your business's accomplishments recognized. The deadline for nominations is May 12, and all NJBIA member companies are eligible. Nominations are being accepted in four categories: Enterprise, for contribution to the New Jersey economy through the creation of new jobs; Environmental Quality, for work in preserving or enhancing the quality of the environment in New Jersey; Outstanding Employer, for creative and forward-looking approaches to managing human resources; and Public Service, for outstanding service to the community. For more information, contact Katie Wittkamp at 609-393-7707, ext. 239. You can also download the nomination forms online.
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