March 21, 2008

GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!

Dear NJGCA Member: 

UPDATES AND STATE HOUSE EVENTS

In Trenton, they officially hit the “Budget Break” period where most of the State Legislature’s attention will be focused on next year’s Budget until the end of June.  Traditionally this creates a little downtime for some Legislators while Committees meet to hear budget testimony.

But even if Trenton slows down, it doesn’t mean NJGCA isn’t racing ahead. 

While some Legislators are caught up in Budget and Appropriations meetings, NJGCA is continuing our “120 in 120” efforts.  We will take advantage of the downtime to meet with Legislators about issues we care deeply about: Zone Pricing, Right to Repair, and 24-hour pricing.

In the biggest Legislative news of the week, Senator Joe Vitale (D-19th District, Middlesex County) introduced a bill that would essentially create mandatory healthcare in New Jersey.  Click HERE to read more on Senator Vitale’s bill. 

In a presidential election year, terms like “universal healthcare” certainly create buzz - but remember that perception and reality may be miles apart when the final bill is examined.  We are waiting on bill language before forming an opinion and will report back to you when more information becomes available.

Check out the Trenton Traffic for more updates from the State House.

The AASP/NJ - Northeast Regional Autobody & Automotive Trade Show is next weekend in Suffern, New York.  NJGCA will be at the event and has mailed free tickets to any members would like to attend.  Please see below for further details.

Last but not least: On behalf of the NJGCA Board of Directors and our staff, I wish you and your family a very Happy Easter!

Thanks for reading.  See you next week!

Regards,

Sal Risalvato
Executive Director

IN THIS WEEK’S NJGCA ROAD WARRIOR:

TRENTON TRAFFIC
State House Legislative Report

•Paid Family Leave back in the Senate; Final vote to come
•"Reg Flex" sent to Senate Committee

INSPECTIONS: “STING CARS” MAKING ROUNDS, VIOLATIONS UP 

•Are you and your employees following proper Inspection procedure?

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

•Senate approves vehicle “de-icing” bill
•NJGCA in the News: Risalvato speaks out on Paid Family Leave
•Governor: Toll-Hike plan on hold; more cuts in the works
•Legislature to Governor: What Budget Cuts?

UPCOMING EVENTS

•AASP/NJ-Northeast 2008 Regional Autobody / Automotive Trade Show  
TRENTON TRAFFIC
State House Legislative Report

PAID FAMILY LEAVE BACK IN THE SENATE; FINAL VOTE TO COME 

Last week NJGCA informed you that Paid Family Leave was passed in the Assembly.  Considering how incredibly quick it has progressed in the Legislature, it is obvious the bill is being fast tracked. 

This week the bill was sent back to the Senate to approve amendments adopted in the Assembly.  The bill was expected to pass.  However, due to procedural issues, the bill will not be heard for a final vote until the next voting session – which could be in a month or more due to the Budget Break.

We will inform you when the bill is up for a vote again so that further action may be taken.

Click HERE to read a recent NJGCA Press Release condemning passage of the Paid Family Leave Act.

“REG FLEX” SENT TO SENATE COMMITTEE 

Now that it has overwhelmingly passed in the Assembly, the New Jersey Regulatory Flexibility Act - or "Reg Flex" - is heading to Senate Economic Growth Committee for further debate.

The bill seeks to ease regulatory fines that are agency derived and not directly imposed by the Legislature. It would essentially force departments to provide a cost benefit analysis and prove that businesses will not be overwhelmed. 

NJGCA strong supports this bill because it would compel departments like the DEP to defend their regulations and fines.

We will update you when the bill is to be heard before the Senate Committee

You can read the full bill language by clicking HERE

INSPECTIONS: “STING CARS” MAKING ROUNDS, VIOLATIONS UP

We have heard from Private Inspection Facilities (PIFs) citing an increase in violations handed out by MVC ‘sting’ cars.  The result has been a drastic increase in suspensions and penalties.

Members should do all they can to avoid these fines and difficulties by following simple inspection procedures:

1). Check the insurance card to make sure it is still effective.  Then make sure the card has not been issued for more than 14 months.

2). Follow all rules that apply to the pink cards and Julian dates.  If you are uncertain, call your local regional office for help.  If they do not offer the help you need, call our office.

3). Make sure the customer’s telephone number is on all copies of the VIR: the customer copy, your copy and possibly your inspection audit copy. 

4). Never use another car to pass inspection for a car that you failed previously.  The MVC Auditor will know immediately, the moment you have done this and will be calling you or visiting your station within hours.

5). ‘Sting’ cars will continue to visit your location; sometimes returning multiple times in a week with different vehicles.  Be prepared!

6). Never turn away an inspection.  Make an appointment!

7). Make certain all employees who perform inspections know the proper rules.  Do not allow mis-informed employees to unintentionally allow for your license to be suspended because they failed to follow procedure.  You will not only pay fines and lose business, but may also affect your reputation with customers.  Don’t let this happen to you!

8). Always call NJGCA if you have any questions on inspections.  If we cannot get your concerns addressed, we will get it for you!
 
NEWS AROUND THE STATE

3/18/2008:
Senate approves vehicle “de-icing” bill
On Monday, the State Senate voted 35-0 to pass a bill which would fine motorists who do not remove all ice and snow from their vehicles before driving.  The bill is now headed to the Assembly for further consideration. 

3/15/2008:
NJGCA in the News: Risalvato speaks out on Paid Family Leave
While recognizing the emotional issues surrounding Paid Family Leave, NJGCA Executive Director Sal Risalvato comments that the measure will only give employees an incentive to NOT consider an employer’s leave-proposal while opening the door to possible abuses. 

3/13/2008:
Governor: Toll-Hike plan on hold; more cuts in the works
With the majority of residents rejecting his 800% Toll-Hike plan, Governor Corzine has decided to stop actively promoting his revenue plan until the current budget issues are addressed.  Instead the Governor plans on returning to the Legislature with more budget cuts.   

3/12/2008:
Legislature to Governor: What Budget Cuts?
As Governor Corzine recently proposed a state budget which would see a slight reduction in overall spending, many Legislators are holding discussions that would see the budget increased and ignore the Governor’s proposal.

UPCOMING EVENTS

SEE OUR CALENDAR FOR ALL COMING NJGCA EVENTS - CLICK HERE 

AASP/NJ-NORTHEAST 2008 REGIONAL AUTOBODY / AUTOMOTIVE TRADE SHOW

March 28-30, 2008
Rockland Community College Field House - Suffern, New York
www.rocklandexpo.com/northeastregional

We have been invited by our friends at the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) to attend a 3 day trade show.  There will be over 400 booths and over 140 companies in attendance, representing in the repair equipment and business software products industry. 

NJGCA will have a booth at the event and will provide free tickets to any members would like to attend.

This is a great opportunity to see the latest technology, equipment, services, and related suppliers in person!

Northeast Regional Autobody Automotive Trade Show c/o Rockland Exposition Inc.
388 East Main Street
Middletown NY  10940
info@rocklandexpo.com
800.223.4648