In The News
Still Recovering, Three Years After Hurricane Sandy
Brian and Marian Salkin have always lived on the lower floors of their three-story home. Their daughter lived on the upper floors.
After the storm, the couple used their life savings and insurance money to repair their basement dwelling
But new elevation requirements are forcing them out of those lower levels. And they blame project delays on the very program New Jersey set up to help Sandy victims: the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation, and Mitigation Program, or RREM.
Christie's veto of 'Leah's Law' shows disregard for state workers' lives
During his campaign to run for higher office, Gov. Chris Christie often liked to say how every life is precious.
It was galling to hear such chutzpah, especially since earlier this year Christie vetoed "Leah's Law" — a measure that would force the state to protect workers at the Division of Children and Families (DCF) by re-instating Human Services Police in the field and implementing safety measures. Christie's callous veto puts thousands of DCF workers at risk of injury or even death.
NJBIZ reveals Power 50 Health Care
How important is health care to the economy of New Jersey?
Consider these stats from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development:
- It is roughly 7 percent of our Gross Domestic Product, contributing nearly $35 billion in 2012, which was the last year statistics were available.
- It has contributed approximately 200,000 jobs since 1990, more than double the total of all private sector employment.
- It paid employees in the sector more than $23 billion in 2013, or more than 12 percent of all wages paid.
Citing pension woes, S&P just cut N.J's credit outlook to negative
TRENTON — Standard and Poor's Ratings Services lowered its outlook for New Jersey from stable to negative Tuesday over concerns with the state's declining pension funding levels and growing retirement liabilities.
School funding concerns dominate South Jersey budget hearing
Gov. Chris Christie's proposed state budget for the upcoming 2017 fiscal year may call for every public school district to get a small boost in aid, but for many districts the increase is still far short of the millions more they should be receiving under the state's eight-year-old school funding formula law.
N.J. receives federal disaster declaration for January winter storm
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama on Tuesday issued a disaster declaration for 17 New Jersey counties, making them eligible for federal aid to reimburse counties and towns for the cleanup of January's winter storm.
Gov. Chris Christie had requested federal help following the Jan. 22-24 storm, which brought up to 30 inches of snow, plus high winds and flooding, and left around 270,000 homes without power. High tides caused coastal flooding in the southern part of the state, contributing to beach erosion and damaging dunes.
The state said the damage cost was around $82.6 million.
Singleton bill could require Christie to reimburse taxpayers for security at political events
One of Burlington County's state lawmakers has penned legislation that could compel Gov. Chris Christie to reimburse the state for some of the costs of his travel and New Jersey State Police security.
Casino expansion amendment approved for November ballot
New Jersey voters will be called upon to decide this fall whether to expand casino gambling beyond Atlantic City into North Jersey.
Bill to Give NJ Taxpayers Credit for Certain Child and Dependent Care Expenses Clears First Legislative Hurdle
Assembly Democratic sponsored legislation that would allow gross income tax credit for certain child and dependent care expenses was approved by an Assembly panel on Monday. The bill is part of efforts by Assembly Democrats to lift people out of poverty and rebuild New Jersey’s middle-class.
NJ lawmakers advance paid sick leave, gender equity bills
New Jersey lawmakers advanced legislation Monday that would mandate all workers receive paid sick time, and two bills aimed at ensuring women receive equal pay on the job.