NJBIA'S AGENDA FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH
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INTRODUCTION

ABOUT THE NJBIA AGENDA FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH
The New Jersey Business & Industry Association’s Agenda for Economic Growth is a blueprint for building a strong private-sector economy in New Jersey, creating jobs, strengthening the State’s business climate, and improving its economic competitiveness. These are specific NJBIA recommendations in the areas of Business Taxes, Education, Economic Development, Energy, Environment, Healthcare and Manufacturing. A common theme running through the recommendations in the Agenda for Economic Growth is the need to reduce New Jersey’s high cost of doing business. Some factors impacting the high cost of doing business are predominately outside state government influence – the globalization of the economy, for example – but other factors are directly affected by State Government actions. New Jersey is in fierce competition with Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware and Maryland to retain and attract jobs. Today we are lagging the region in job growth and one of the worst national performers. Reducing the high cost of doing business in our state must be a top priority.

CONTACT
If you have any questions about the NJBIA Economic Growth Agenda, please contact Senior Vice President at 609-393-7707, ext. 205.

OVERVIEW

• A healthcare system that emphasizes affordability, quality, transparency and accessibility.

• A business tax structure that is fair and competitive with other states.

• Conservative spending of State resources with an emphasis on eliminating redundant and ineffective programs.

• An annual cap on spending increases to recurring annual revenue growth.

• Employee benefits programs that do not exceed those imposed by competing states, like paid family leave.

• Cost-effective environmental regulations and programs that are consistent, flexible, balanced and job friendly.

• A competitive energy market that is reliable, affordable and balances conservation, renewable and current sources of energy.

• Economic development programs that meet employers’ needs and complement and supplement business job creation and retention efforts.

• Unemployment compensation and workers’ compensation systems that are fair, reasonable and competitive with other states.

• A public education system that establishes clear accountability and provides every child with the opportunity to receive a quality education at reasonable cost to taxpayers.

• A legal system that promotes fairness, common sense and personal responsibility.

• More reforms to make sure government is conducted in a transparent and open process and contracts are provided solely on merit.