Road Warrior Newsletter
 

February 29, 2008

GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!

Dear NJGCA Member:

MEMBERSHIP INVOLVEMENT; EVENTS IN TRENTON

NJGCA has been slowly implementing a new email delivery system.  There are a few wrinkles that need to be worked on, but overall I am pleased with the roll-out.

Our objective is to get updates and urgent information to you as quick as possible.

This program gives us “reporting tools” that allows us to determine how many emails are successfully sent, how many bounce back, what links are clicked, and how many are opened.

While our deliverability has increased and we are reaching a wider audience, I’m disappointed to say that many of our members are slow to respond to our communications.

I am frustrated that many of you do not recognize or utilize email and the internet more.  It is a powerful means of communicating.

NJGCA has made incredible changes over the last year as we transform our Association.  Getting timely information to you is part of that change.  But all the new email delivery systems or breaking news alerts in the world won’t accomplish a thing if you don’t check your emails often.

Let me be plain: NOT reading our emails does nothing to advance our message in Trenton.  It doesn’t help me alert you and help you avoid costly DEP or MVC fines.

Because many of you are not receiving emails or are not checking them on a timely basis I found it imperative to send a fax this week with an important Wildfire Alert.  The message was so urgent I just couldn’t afford for some of you to see the message after it was too late to take action.  It is our first mass fax communication and I am anxious to hear feedback.  Please reach out to me with your thoughts. 

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

•Governor Delivers Budget Address; Calls for cuts
•NJ Regulatory Flexibility Act heard in Assembly Committee
•Assembly hearings on Paid Family Leave Act

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

•Opinion: Toll-Hike Plan like a life sentence for motorists
•State to start implementing $100 fines for phone use
•Paid Family Leave Advances from Assembly Labor Committee
•Opinion: Gas-Tax Hike, Toll-Increase NOT a Solution

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

NJ REGULATORY FLEXIBILITY ACT HEARD IN ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE

A bill sponsored by Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, A-832 - the New Jersey Regulatory Flexibility Act, appeared before the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee on Monday.

Commonly known as the “Reg Flex Bill”, this legislation 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.  Furthermore, business advocates will have the option of a judicial review – something severely lacking under current statutes. 

NJGCA strongly supported Assemblyman Chivukula’ bill because it would compel departments like the DEP to defend their regulations.  Executive Director Sal Risalvato testified before the Committee, arguing that the Reg Flex Bill would largely prevent the state from picking the pockets of business owners through unnecessary fines. 

NJGCA is pleased to report the bill passed with overwhelming Committee support.  It is a good step in helping NJ’s frail economic climate and protecting small-businesses. 

You can read the full bill language by clicking HERE

Please visit the US Small Business Administration-Office of Advocacy for more information – Click HERE

ASSEMBLY HEARINGS ON PAID FAMILY LEAVE ACT

On Thursday, the Assembly Labor Committee took testimony on A-873, the Assembly version of the Paid Family Leave Act.

The legislation sought to extend 12-weeks of PAID leave every year to all employees, regardless of business size or type.  However, the Commitee amended the bill to in favor of 6-week provisions.

NJGCA has gone on record opposing this bill in all forms.  We have already testified before the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on the Senate version of the bill.  We continue to believe this proposal would be an incredible burden on small-businesses and further harm New Jersey’s business climate.

On Thursday, Executive Director Sal Risalvato testified before the Labor Committee and explained the manner in which our members would be affected by Paid Family Leave.  NJGCA had plenty of support from other state business organizations opposing the bill.

Unfortunately, the bill did pass out of Committee, but we hope to gain an amendment to exempt small businesses when it is heard by the full Assembly. 

You can read the full bill language by clicking HERE

GOVERNOR GIVES BUDGET ADDRESS; CALLS FOR CUTS

Governor Corzine gave his annual Budget Address on Tuesday before a Joint Legislative Session.

Among the details of the Governor’s proposed budget: A slight decrease in the state budget to $33 Billion, a property tax rebates cut, a 10% reduction in municipal aid (which will make local property taxes rise) and a further cut for municipalities with 10,000 residents or less, cuts in hospital and higher education aid, a reduction in the state workforce and folding the departments of Agriculture, Commerce and Personnel into other departments. 

To view a video of the Governor’s entire speech – Click HERE

We will provide further details as the budget process unfolds in the coming months.
 
NEWS AROUND THE STATE

2/28/2008:
Opinion: Toll-Hike Plan like a life sentence for motorists
A columnist condemns the Governor’s Toll-Hike proposal as being an irresponsible money-making scheme.  The author believes that if the plan is implemented, it will only hurt motorists and residents.

2/28/2008:
State to start implementing $100 fines for phone use
On Monday, March 3rd the state will begin an aggressive campaign to curb cell phone use while driving.  Part of the measure will seek to fine drivers for text-messaging when operating a vehicle. 

2/28/2008:
Paid Family Leave Advances from Assembly Labor Committee
Despite immense opposition from business and trade organizations, the Assembly Labor Committee passed the Paid Family Leave Act Thursday.  The bill is expected to be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee in the coming weeks. 

2/17/2008:
Opinion: Gas-Tax Hike, Toll-Increase NOT a Solution
A recent op-ed chastises State officials for harming residents through more tax increases rather than cut government spending and reduce the workforce.


UPCOMING EVENTS

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

 
 
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