NJBIA President and CEO Michele N. Siekerka Esq. issued the following statement today relating to Governor Murphy’s efforts to attract Amazon to Newark.
“NJBIA shares and appreciates Governor Murphy’s enthusiasm for Newark as an ideal location for Amazon’s future expansion. Newark’s rebirth, where we have seen billions of dollars in high-tech investment, has been nothing short of inspiring. We hope Amazon will recognize the quality of Newark’s location, infrastructure and workforce and how it is serving as a model on how to own the innovation mantle and replicate it in urban areas across the state.
“To
make New Jersey more attractive to Amazon and others, we need to work on
reforms that will improve our unfortunate standing as the state with the
highest business taxes and worst business climate in the nation. We also should
not sully corporations with misrepresentations relating to EDA’s tax credit and
economic incentive programs. We should recognize they are our job creators who
fuel our economy.
“New Jersey needs a philosophical change in tenor and approach when it comes to business. NJBIA has been calling for no new or increased taxes, fiscal responsibility and reforms that will make New Jersey more regionally and nationally competitive. This is how we will truly become a high-value state and open for business.”
