Despite fierce opposition by thousands of businesses, the Assembly on March 13 voted 46 to 30 with two abstentions for legislation providing paid leave for employees at all businesses, setting up a final vote in the Senate on Monday, March 17. The bill, A-873 (Albano, Oliver)/S-786 (Sweeney, Buono), would provide employees with six weeks of paid family leave. The vote moves New Jersey closer to becoming only the second state in the nation to impose a paid leave mandate on all businesses (unlike existing unpaid leave laws, this bill would apply to employers with two to 49 employees). The imposition of this huge mandate during a recession further cements New Jersey’s reputation as an unfriendly place to operate a business.

Here is how members of the Assembly voted, followed by their party affiliation and legislative district number. Please contact them and let those who voted for it know of your disappointment, and thank those who voted against the bill.

Assembly members who voted against business by supporting a paid leave mandate are:

NJBIA wishes to thank those Assembly members who stood up for businesses by not voting for paid leave. They are:

Assembly Bill Would Require Review of All Healthcare Mandates

The cost of healthcare coverage mandates, one of the causes of skyrocketing health insurance premiums, would get a thorough review under NJBIA-backed legislation that passed the Assembly on March 13. Under A-2255 (Greenwald, Conaway) the Mandated Health Benefits Advisory Commission would analyze the financial impact of all existing health benefits mandated by the Legislature. Currently, the commission is limited to analyzing the impact of proposed new mandates before they receive legislative consideration.

This would represent the first comprehensive study on existing healthcare coverage mandates that have been driving up the cost of health insurance for New Jersey employers. These mandates can add as much as 20 percent to the cost of health insurance, and any employer purchasing insurance in New Jersey’s regulated market has no choice but to pay for them. The commission would review the impact of a mandate on total costs to purchasers along with the extent to which it has increased the appropriate use of a treatment or service. NJBIA supports the bill and has long advocated for a review of existing healthcare mandates. For more information contact Christine Stearns at ext. 260.

Tax on Rain (Yes, Rain) Could Be Levied Locally under Senate Bill

The Senate Environment Committee on March 10 released legislation that would authorize creation of local independent authorities that could charge what amounts to a tax on the rain water that flows off driveways and parking lots. The bill, S-1166 (B. Smith), aims to raise funds for capital improvement projects to alleviate flooding and non-point source pollution. The bill would allow for the creation of local storm water utilities, which could charge fees based on a formula to be developed by the NJ Department of Environmental Protection. The formula would most likely take into consideration average rain fall, potential impact to environmental receptors and the amount of impervious cover a property has, such as driveways or parking lots. The fees would be levied against both residential and commercial properties.

NJBIA opposes the bill. New Jersey businesses and residents alike are already overburdened with taxes and do not need a ridiculous tax on rain water. Furthermore, for many businesses this would amount to double taxation, as they already spend thousands of dollars on storm water permits for their facilities. The bill now awaits action in the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. For more information, contact David Brogan at ext. 236.

Regulatory Flexibility Act Expansion Clears Assembly

Small businesses that believe they are economically harmed by government regulations would be able to take their case to court, under NJBIA-backed legislation, A-832 (Chivukula, Schaer), that passed the Assembly on March 13. The bill would expand New Jersey’s Regulatory Flexibility Act to allow businesses with fewer than 100 employees to appeal to the courts if they have been economically harmed by the actions of a government agency. The bill would also require government agencies to simplify and consolidate reporting requirements for small businesses. The measure now heads to the Senate for consideration. For more information, contact David Brogan at ext. 236.

Laws of 2006-2007 Now Available

In the last legislative session, New Jersey enacted more than 80 laws impacting the business community in one way or another. NJBIA made available a summary of the laws of the 2006-2007 Legislative Session that impact businesses. For more information, contact Melanie Willoughby at ext. 205.

Meet NJ's Top Government Leaders at 5 Special Briefings

NJBIA will bring together top Administration officials, along with legislative leaders, for insightful briefings at the Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township on five of the biggest issues impacting your business operations, Transportation - March 26, Taxes and Spending - April 2, Healthcare Reform - April 22, Energy Costs - May 16, and Environmental Regulations - October 17.

Support the NJ Business Hall of Fame Gala, April 17

The NJ Business Hall of Fame (NJBHOF) 2008 Gala, to be held April 17 at The Mezzanine in Newark, will honor three business leaders, including NJM Insurance Group President and CEO Anthony G. Dickson. Please support this special event by buying a ticket, being a sponsor and/or purchasing an advertisement. Call Dawn Schwartz, at 973-533-1133 for more information.