Senate Republican Leader Leonard Lance on September 12 said he would oppose modifying the uniformity clause of the New Jersey State Constitution, saying "shifting taxes is not the solution to New Jersey’s property tax problem, cost containment is." Lance is one of six members on the Joint Legislative Committee on Constitutional Reform that is examining constitutional changes as a way to rein in New Jersey’s highest-in-the-nation property taxes. Assemblymen Louis Manzo and Richard Merkt, who are also members of the committee, have already expressed their opposition to changing the uniformity clause.

The uniformity or "fairness" clause protects property owners from tax discrimination by requiring local governments to tax all properties, whether commercial or residential, at the same rates. Removing or altering this clause would allow municipalities to tax commercial properties at much higher rates, thereby shifting more of the property-tax burden onto employers. One recent proposal would increase business-property taxes in one year by a whopping $2 billion, a 40 percent increase. A tax increase of this magnitude would be devastating to business property owners and renters.

Last week, NJBIA called on legislators to send a strong probusiness message by taking any ideas about changing the fairness clause off the table. While none of the six legislators on the committee have endorsed changing the uniformity clause, only Lance, Manzo and Merkt have expressly opposed the idea. Newspapers and other groups have joined NJBIA in criticizing any move to alter the fairness clause.

Business-property owners will have an opportunity to add their voice to the uniformity-clause debate at a public hearing at noon, Thursday, September 21, 2006, at the Livingston Student Center, Rutgers University, 84 Joyce Kilmer Avenue, Piscataway. NJBIA encourages its members to attend and tell the committee not to change the uniformity clause. If you plan to attend, contact Sharon Birch of the committee staff at 609-984-6798. For more information, contact Art Maurice at NJBIA at 609-393-7707, ext. 247.

NJDOL Announces Workplace Training Grants—New Jersey companies in some key competitive industries are eligible for High-Growth Workforce Investment Grants, under a new grant application program made available September 12. According to the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development, this is the first time some of the State’s Customized Training grants will be aligned with specific industry sectors. This year, industry-specific grant competitions will be held for pharmaceutical and biotechnology; science and technology; information technology; logistics; energy; finance; and hospitality/tourism. The first cycle of applications are due on October 6. A second cycle will begin January 2, 2007, with applications due on January 27.

The grants will allow companies to establish customized training programs with the help of New Jersey’s universities and county colleges as well as vocational-technical schools. Successful applicants will have to provide at least a 50-percent match for the total direct costs of the training. For more information, contact John Rogers at ext. 209. You may also get help applying for the grant from the County Colleges Consortium's Web site, or call 1-800-821-6683. To learn more, visit the Department’s Web site.

Exclusively for NJBIA Members! Order NJBIA Legislative Briefs Online—As an exclusive member benefit, NJBIA is offering copies of its Legislative Briefs, which provide detailed descriptions of pending bills that could affect the business community. Each brief contains the legislative history of the bill, its background, an analysis of its impact on the business community, and NJBIA’s position. There are also several Issue Briefs covering broad topics like the State budget, eminent domain and greenhouse gas restrictions.

The briefs are free to NJBIA members. There is no fee or charge of any kind, but you do have to submit an order online so that NJBIA may verify your membership. Orders will be processed within 24 hours during the week, or on the first business day following weekends and holidays. Just go to our Web site to view a summary of the briefs that are available and submit your order online, or call Joanne Gordy at 609-393-7707, ext. 216.

Reminder: Fax-Blast Ban, Restrictions in Effect—Businesses are reminded that they are prohibited from sending unsolicited fax messages or advertisements under a new State law that took effect last year. Businesses can still send unsolicited fax messages to those recipients with whom they have an existing business relationship. Likewise, nonprofit organizations and business, professional or trade associations can also use fax blasts to contact their members. However, any of these exempt faxed messages or advertisements must include a notice that recipients can request to be taken off the list and no longer receive unsolicited faxes. Recipients who continue to receive unsolicited faxes after “opting out” can take legal action against the sender. Certain business organizations report that they have been sued in recent months for failing to adhere to the requirements of this new law. For more information, contact Sara Bluhm at ext. 204.

Senate President Codey, Assembly Speaker Roberts on Sept. 27—Hear directly from New Jersey's two most powerful legislative leaders, Senate President Richard J. Codey and Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts, at a special NJBIA breakfast briefing, Meet NJ's Top Two Legislative Leaders, which will be held on Wednesday, September 27, at the Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township (just off exit 8A of the NJ Turnpike) from 7:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m.  Plenty of time will be set aside to answer your questions. Don't miss this informative networking event.   The cost is $69 per person for NJBIA members and $105 for nonmembers. For additional information contact Katie Wittkamp at 609-393-7707, ext. 239, or register online.

Awards for Excellence Presentation Dinner, October 17—NJBIA member companies that have achieved excellence in activities related to human resources management, job creation, environmental quality, and public service will receive NJBIA’s Award for Excellence during a dinner at the Hilton, East Brunswick (Exit 9, NJ Turnpike). This exciting program begins at 6:00 p.m. and will include a reception, dinner and the award presentations. Network with the award winners and dinner sponsors. The price is $149 per person. Tables of ten are available. Register online now, or call Stacy Wichner at 609-393-7707, ext. 213. To gain visibility as an event sponsor, contact Sherry Esteves, ext. 219.

October 25 Seminar: Hot Legal Topics for Employers—Sexual harassment, employee privacy, age discrimination. They're more than just topics in your employee handbook, they're legal landmines. Step on one and you and your company could be in big trouble. That's why NJBIA is offering its half-day seminar, "Hot Legal Topics for Employers." From 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in Tinton Falls (1 mile off Exit 107 of the Garden State Parkway). Register online for this great event or contact Katie Wittkamp at 609-393-7707, ext. 239.

November 3 Seminar: Selling to the Top: Doing Business with Top NJ Companies and State Government—Find out how you can sell your goods or services to State government and top New Jersey companies at this half-day seminar. Get practical tips from purchasing agents. Government officials will tell you how to become a certified minority- or women-owned business; you will also be able to register as a qualified business on the spot. The event will be held from 8:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Newark Airport Hotel. The cost is $109 per person for NJBIA members and $139 for nonmembers. Register online now, or call Katie Wittkamp at 609-393-7707, ext. 239. To become a high-profile sponsor, call Sherry Esteves, ext. 219.

November 15 Seminar: How to Comply with State Environmental Regulations—Learn how to comply with New Jersey’s strict environmental regulations and how to avoid costly fines and possible litigation at this half-day NJBIA seminar. The program will be held at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township (Exit 8A, NJ Turnpike) from 8:00 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. The cost per person is $109 for NJBIA members and $139 for nonmembers. To register, call Alex Hollywood at 609-393-7707, ext. 262, or register online now. To become a high-profile sponsor, call Sherry Esteves at ext. 219.

December 12: 2006 NJBIA Public Policy Forum—This annual high-level conference brings together New Jersey’s top leaders in business and government for a thorough and lively discussion of current issues that have a great impact on New Jersey employers. Governor Jon Corzine and the State's top legislative leaders have been invited to speak. Don’t miss this great opportunity to network with fellow business colleagues! The event will be held from 7:45 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Sheraton at Woodbridge Place in Iselin (Exit 131A, Garden State Parkway). The cost is $170 per person for NJBIA members and $230 for nonmembers. Breakfast and lunch are included. To register, call Stacy Wichner at 609-393-7707, ext. 213, or register online now. Gain high-profile exposure by becoming a sponsor; contact Sherry Esteves, ext. 219.

Raise Your Visibility. Become an Event Sponsor—The Awards for Excellence Dinner. NJBIA's Public Policy Forum. First-rate seminars. Events like these offer companies an excellent opportunity to reach their target audiences and heighten their visibility by sponsoring NJBIA events. Learn more about becoming an NJBIA sponsor by contacting Sherry Esteves at 609-393-7707, ext. 219.