Businesses that receive so-called “no-match” letters from the Social Security Administration (SSA) must respond to them within 90 days or face substantial fines and even criminal penalties, under new federal government regulations. No-match letters are notices sent to employers informing them that the Social Security number on an employee’s W-2 tax form does not match the government’s Social Security records.

Requirements that employers respond to no-match letters have been in force since 1987, but the new regulations from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office are designed to step up enforcement. According to ICE, an employer who receives a no-match letter should first make sure the mismatch was not a result of errors on his or her part. Then the employee should be asked to confirm and verify the accuracy of the information or to resolve the discrepancy with the SSA. If the discrepancy can be resolved, employers should remember to check with SSA to make sure the necessary changes have been made. If the discrepancy cannot be resolved within 90 days, employers must fill out a new I-9 form as if the employee is a new hire. However, the questionable Social Security number cannot be used to verify eligibility for employment.

For more information, contact the ICE Office of Investigations at 800-421-7105. Links to the “no-match” guidance letter, the new ICE regulations, and information about I-9 forms, including a link to download the form itself, can be found at NJBIA's Human Resources Web page. For more information contact John Rogers at ext. 209.

NJBIA Pro-Business Education Agenda Moving Forward

Legislation designed to improve education in New Jersey is likely to be considered when the Legislature returns after the November election, as NJBIA's push for pro-business education policies this spring has paid dividends. NJBIA began working on this package of legislation after repeated surveys showed employers were dissatisfied with the skill levels of entry-level employees, even as employers contribute to the cost of education through State and local taxes. Here is a look at some of the legislation NJBIA will be advocating this fall.

School Accountability, A-3134 (Cryan, Epps, Lampitt, Fisher)/S-2338 (Doria, Palaia). This bill would increase accountability of public high schools by requiring uniform reporting of school drop-out and graduation rates, which would help identify schools that need to improve their quality and efficiency. The bill passed the full Assembly in June. The Senate Education Committee also held a hearing on the measure, in which NJBIA testified in support of the bill.

Student Advisor Program, A-4077 (Stanley, Vas). This measure would require any high school with below average graduation rates to develop a program for education staff to advise and mentor students. This could improve graduation rates as well as students’ skills in teamwork, confidence, and goal-setting. The bill was released from the Assembly Education Committee and awaits an Assembly floor vote.

Technology Education, A-4062 (Voss, Malone). This bill would create a loan redemption program for much needed technology education teachers. Under the program, participants would be able to redeem 20 percent of eligible student loan expenses for each year of service as certified technology education teachers in a New Jersey public school. The measure was released from the Assembly Higher Education Committee in May and passed the full Assembly in June.

Additionally, the Legislature gave final approval to an NJBIA-backed bill to ensure a seamless transfer of community college credits to New Jersey public colleges and universities, provided the student completes an associate degree program. A-3968 (Lampitt, Diegnan, Doherty, Stanley)/S-2535 (Rice, Doria) would help community college graduates make an easier transition to four-year institutions. The bill is awaiting the Governor's signature. For more information, contact Chris Emigholz at ext. 201.

Pay-to-Play Disclosure Deadline Is Sept. 28: Learn How to Comply at Sept. 18 Seminar

Any business or organization that had at least $50,000 worth of State or local government contracts in 2006 must file a political contribution disclosure statement with New Jersey's Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) by September 28, under new regulations taking effect this year. The disclosure report must be filed electronically on ELEC's Web site. Businesses that fail to comply could be subject to large fines and penalties.

If you want to learn how to comply, or if you are not sure whether the new rules apply to you, sign up now for NJBIA's Is Your Business Ready to Comply with Pay-to-Play Disclosure? This seminar will be held from 8:30 a.m. until noon, Tuesday, September 18, at the Pines Manor, Route 27 in Edison. The cost is $109 per person for NJBIA members and $139 for nonmembers. For more information or to become a sponsor, contact Sherry Esteves at 609-393-7707, ext. 219.

Senate President Codey, Assembly Speaker Roberts to Speak Sept. 26

Hear directly from New Jersey's two most powerful legislative leaders - Senate President Richard Codey and Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts - at NJBIA's Meet the Decision Makers breakfast, which will be held from 7:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 26, at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township (NJ Turnpike Exit 8A). They will discuss upcoming elections and what to expect in the legislative session following the election. Cost to attend is $69 per person for NJBIA members and $105 for nonmembers. To register or for more information, contact Katie Wittkamp at 609-393-7707, ext. 239. To become an event sponsor, contact Sherry Esteves at ext. 219.

Other Upcoming Events

Meet State Environmental Commissioner Lisa Jackson, Oct. 3 - At this event, you will hear from NJ Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa Jackson. The breakfast will run from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township. For more information, contact Katie Wittkamp at 609-393-7707, ext. 239, or register online now. Call Sherry Esteves at ext. 219 to become a sponsor.

NJBIA to Honor 10 at Awards for Excellence Dinner, Oct. 16 - NJBIA member companies that have achieved excellence in activities related to environmental quality, human resources management, public service, and job creation will receive NJBIA's Award for Excellence during a dinner banquet at the Pines Manor, Route 27 in Edison. Established in 1984, the Awards for Excellence program recognizes companies of every size from modest, family-owned enterprises to Fortune 500 companies. The program begins at 6:00 p.m. and will include a reception, dinner and the awards presentations. Tables of ten are available. For additional information, call Katie Wittkamp at 609-393-7707, ext. 239, or register online now. To become a sponsor of this event, contact Sherry Esteves, ext. 219.

How to Get the Best Deal on Health Insurance, Oct. 30 - At this half-day seminar, learn what to look for when buying a company health plan. Register today whether you are a small or medium-size business owner, human resource manager, benefits specialist, or anyone else involved in managing healthcare costs. This is one seminar you should not miss. The seminar will run from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township. The cost is $109 per person for NJBIA members and $139 for nonmembers. For more information or to become a sponsor, contact Sherry Esteves at 609-393-7707, ext. 219, or register online now.