Does it work? Is it worth it?

These two short sentences are the public’s two most salient questions when they hear about a new program, policy or initiative. They represent a common thread: citizens pay for all of these with their tax dollars.

There is an old adage, "If something sounds too good to be true, it most likely is." I am reminded of this when I hear proponents of Right-to-Work laws talk about their impact on the labor market and the overall economy. Despite its seemingly well-intentioned name, this type of law does not guarantee anyone a job or provide a state with an economic boom.

Dear Bosses,

You don’t often ask me directly what I’m doing, or even more importantly, what I have done for you. When I began working for you — the residents of the 7th legislative district — my goal was always to do the best job possible, to protect and advance your interests and to establish a framework for anticipated and unanticipated challenges in the future.

Enhancing Existing Laws will Make NJ’s Communities and Streets Safer

New Jersey has some of our nation’s strongest gun laws. Yet, too often, illegal firearms move far too easily into New Jersey from states with weaker gun laws and end up on our streets due to inconsistent state regulations. There is no federal anti-trafficking law that would provide some uniformity in this regard, so it has become easier for criminals to exploit weaknesses in the system and flood our communities with illegal guns. 

It is National Blueberry Month, and in New Jersey….this is a big deal! The highbush blueberry is the official state fruit and New Jersey remains among the nation's top blueberry producing states. Blueberries are one of the more lucrative crops produced here in the state. Combined, with cranberries, they produce upward of two-thirds of all fruit industry revenues in New Jersey. And there’s a legitimate homegrown feel to blueberries because they are also one of the few fruits native to North America.

The Need For Public Benefit Corporations In New Jersey

When I was an undergraduate student at Rowan University, I recall one of my business school professors saying that a company where both stakeholders and shareholders see the company as successful is like finding the mythical unicorn. Not likely. I could see the logic of the argument but why should it be that way?

Yesterday, July 4th, was hopefully a day of fun and relaxation for most New Jersey residents. I also hope that you took a moment to reflect on the greatness of our country, even as we work through the challenges we face nationally. Many of us may have had a chance to hover over the grill, enjoy a picnic feast, nibble on cookies and lemonade and have the pleasure to reach out for that extra hot dog we didn’t need to eat.

Restoring Collaboration Between Academia, Technology And Industry

If you read the business pages of any significant publication, the mantra for future success, both for businesses and the economy in general, is an unmistakable, if frequently repeated mantra: innovate or expect to decline, and even die.

It’s mid-June and the air is warmer, everything seems brighter, and people just seem to be a bit more relaxed during the summer. As we usher in the summer, it’s the perfect time to step away from your phone, take a break from the computer mouse, forgo that rerun on television and get outside.

One of the most persistent issues that I hear about from my 7th Legislative District bosses concerns high and rising prescription drug prices. According to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, our country spends nearly $1 billion a day on prescription medicine, with that number projected to increase over 6% per year on average over the next decade. Further, because the government pays more than 40% of all retail prescription drug costs, this level of increase will constrain and stress state and federal budgets. This has been fueled largely by new drugs entering the market and price hikes of existing prescription drugs. As we consumers call for better cures, we also must demand that access to those vital medicines do not force us into dire financial conditions.