Troy Talk
Give Me a Break!
Like other states, New Jersey has written into law provisions that allow individuals or businesses to reduce their tax liability if they meet certain criteria. I have supported many of these initiatives in the interest of growing our state’s economy. One such initiative was the much heralded, Economic Opportunity Act of 2013. This proposal, which I helped author, has already begun to drive job creation in our state and especially in the 7th District with the news of Destination Maternity moving its operations to Florence, as well as the expansion of the Burlington Coat Factory in Florence, the preservation and expansion of Association Headquarters in Mt. Laurel, Lockheed Martin in Moorestown, and the preservation and relocation of Express Scripts Inc. to Florence. While these are all very exciting and tangible fruits of those efforts, New Jersey is among the states that pay the least attention to whether tax breaks for businesses achieve their stated goals.
The VA, Veterans and a New Jersey “Thank You”
During a recent trip up the New Jersey Turnpike, I popped into a rest stop and stood in line for a drink and a soldier dressed in camouflage stood behind me. After giving my order, I turned around and said to the cashier, “please give him whatever he would like,” pointing to the solider. He looked up at me and replied, “That’s not necessary, really. But thank you.”
Charting A New Fiscal Course For New Jersey
When I was younger and had more time to watch tv, I really enjoyed medical dramas. The nip and tuck nature of life, encompassing the full gamut of human emotion, all wrapped up in sixty minutes. Good television. Those shows remind me of the present state of New Jersey's fiscal well being. As yet another of the major Wall Street rating houses has downgraded New Jersey’s credit rating; we are faced with the question of, “Where do we go from here?"...or to fit the opening narrative, "How do we save this patient?"
The Magic of Mother’s Day
Sunday is Mother’s Day, and it is most recently a bittersweet day for me. My mom played an important role in my life, giving me unquestioned love, offering a steady hand for direction and helping instill confidence in me. She passed away two years ago this month, and sometimes I can’t believe she’s really gone. In my quiet moments, I still feel like I’m having conversations with her....(usually one-sided) with an emphasis on finding ways to give back to my community.
Let’s Prevent Our Transportation System From Going Totally Flat
Our transportation system is something we mostly take for granted, unless we have to weave through construction on the interstate or get reminded of its importance when dodging potholes, as we have this spring.
Take Your Child To Work Day
Today is Take Your Child To Work Day. The roots of this observance go back to the early 90s when it was exclusively for young girls to address self-esteem issues. In 2003, it was expanded to include boys in recognition that exposure to the workforce was good for kids regardless of gender. Additionally, it also serves as a vehicle to provide an opportunity for mentorship for young boys and girls who aren't linked by family ties to be exposed to adults in skilled professions.