Governor Jon Corzine on January 15 pocket vetoed an antibusiness measure that would have greatly expanded lawsuit damages in wrongful death cases. Corzine also took final action on legislation that was passed just before the new Legislature was sworn in. Here is a round-up.

Unlimited Lawsuit Damages, S-176 (Scutari)/A-1511 (Oliver, Greenstein). Legislators gave final approval to this measure on January 7, but because the Governor did not sign it, the bill did not become law, in a process known as a pocket veto. The bill would have allowed for unlimited damages for emotional distress in wrongful death cases. Corzine urged legislators to resend him a bill that allows for expanded non-economic damages but more limited than the bill he just vetoed. NJBIA opposed the measure because it would have driven up liability insurance, product liability insurance, and medical malpractice insurance costs. For more information, contact Christine Stearns at ext. 260.

Trash Tax, S-557 (Smith)/A-1886 (McKeon). Legislation was signed that imposes a new $3-per-ton tax on waste haulers. This has the potential to raise trash collection costs for consumers. NJBIA opposed it because it will add $34 million a year to New Jersey’s already high tax burden and worsen an already dismal business tax climate. For more information, contact David Brogan at ext. 236.

Incentive Grant (BRRAG) Expansion, S-80 (T. Kean, Bucco)/A-1696 (Fisher, Van Drew). More businesses will be eligible for Business Relocation and Retention Assistance Grants (BRRAG) under this NJBIA-backed law signed by the Governor. BRRAG provides eligible businesses with a one-time business tax credit of up to $1,500 per job retained in or moved within New Jersey. Under the new law, businesses will have to retain or relocate a minimum of 50 jobs, instead of 250 jobs as required before. For more information, contact Art Maurice at ext. 247.

School Funding, A-500 (Roberts)/S-4000 (Buono). The Governor signed this legislation, which will fundamentally change New Jersey’s school funding formula by ensuring extra funding follows economically disadvantaged students regardless of where they live. Suburban districts that educate 49 percent of the State’s economically disadvantaged students will receive more aid. For more information, contact Chris Emigholz at ext. 201.

Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, A-4559 (Chivukula, McKeon)/S-2976 (Sweeney, Smith). Corzine approved the implementation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), creating a cap-and-trade program for utilities designed to lower their carbon emissions. NJBIA opposed the measure because several provisions will almost certainly increase electricity costs for consumers. For more information, contact Sara Bluhm at ext. 204.

Healthcare Information Technology, A-4044 (Conaway, Chivukula)/S-2728 (Vitale, Buono). Money-saving healthcare information technology will get a boost under this law signed by the Governor. It establishes the State's first electronic medical records infrastructure and creates a Health Information Technology Commission to oversee the development, implementation and oversight of the program. The program’s goal is to reduce healthcare costs by reducing the duplication of medical tests, medical errors, and paperwork. For more information, contact Christine Stearns at ext. 260.

Codey, Roberts Announce Committee Chairs

With the highest legislative turnover since the early 1990s, New Jersey will see some new faces wielding the gavel at legislative committee meetings in 2008. Senate President Richard Codey and Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts have released Senate and Assembly committee assignments this week. Here is a list of the new committee chairs.

Senate

Assembly

Nominate Your Candidate for a New Good Neighbor Award by Feb. 4

The 48th Annual New Good Neighbor Awards competition recognizes companies that have worked to bring about an improved business climate in New Jersey by building or renovating a commercial facility. Winners will be chosen based on economic benefit and job creation, architectural merit, and community involvement. Plants, offices and commercial buildings, plus shopping centers may be nominated. Deadline for nominations is February 4. Download the nomination form.

Meet the Governor's Key Staff, Feb. 29

Meet Governor Jon Corzine’s new Chief of Staff, Chief Counsel and Chief Policy Counsel at the first in a series of Meet the Decision Makers breakfast briefings, Feb. 29 at the Forsgate Country Club. Get the latest on key issues such as financial restructuring, the budget and healthcare reform and find out what plans the Governor has for the coming year. This is a great networking event! Register online now, or contact Katie Wittkamp at ext. 236 for more information.