February 22, 2008

GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!

Dear NJGCA Member:

GETTING THE WORD OUT: IT'S WORKING

NJGCA has been working hard to get our message out to the public, the media, and elected officials.

While there is still much more that needs to be done, I’m pleased to say that our efforts are paying off.

The result: We have been mentioned in numerous articles, editorial pages, and reaching a wider audience than ever before.

In every reference, NJGCA has relentlessly defended our members, spoken out against “feel good” and unnecessary legislation, and condemned anti-business policies.

For instance, a Press Release on the Gas Tax Hike plan has generated a significant response.  Our position was even quoted across state-lines by New York Newsday – Read it HERE

Please take a look at our news archives to read more NJGCA in the News articles – Click HERE

Speaking of the Gas Tax, a recent report explains New Jersey STILL has the cheapest gasoline in the country, even as prices rise.  Why would Trenton push to increase the only favorable tax we have just when times are getting tough?

In our commitment to defend the interests of small-business owners, NJGCA has been working closely with remarkable association partners like the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ) and the Garden State Towman's Association.  Moving forward, we are making it a priority to collaborate with other organizations to further our agenda and support New Jersey’s business community.

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

•Illegal immigration bill proposed, businesses could face penalties
•Transportation Chairman wants Gas-Tax hike and toll increases

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

•Toll-Hike unpopular with residents, Governor’s approval rating sinks
•Gas Tax Hike gains support from Senate President
•Automotive Trade Associations oppose Paid Family Leave
•Opinion: Right to Repair should be law of the land

UPCOMING EVENTS

•The Southeast Petro-Food Marketing Expo
•AASP/NJ-Northeast 2008 Regional Autobody / Automotive Trade Show
•To be scheduled: MORE Town Hall Meetings on Toll-Hike Plan

TRENTON TRAFFIC
State House Legislative Report

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION BILL PROPOSED, BUSINESS COULD FACE PENALITIES

Senate Majority Leader Senator Sweeney will introduce a bill in the coming weeks that seeks to punish businesses which knowingly hire illegal immigrants.  

The proposal mandates that businesses must check the legal immigration status of all new hires.  Companies that ignore the measure or knowingly hire an illegal immigrant will have a temporary suspension of their business license.  A second violation will result in a permanent license suspension.

To read an article on Senator Sweeney’s proposal – Click HERE

We will provide links to the bill and related information as it becomes available.

TRANSPORTATION CHAIRMAN WANTS GAS-TAX HIKE AND TOLL INCREASES

With the Governor’s toll-hike plan receiving a cold-reception from the public, the Chairman of the Assembly Transportation Committee, Assemblyman John Wisniewski, has publicly proposed raising the Gas Tax to 28.5¢ a gallon and doubling tolls in the next eight years.  

NJGCA believes any Gas Tax increase could prove to be disastrous for retailers and consumers alike. We will oppose any measure that hikes the Gas Tax from the current rate of 10.5¢ a gallon.

To read a recent report on Assemblyman Wisniewski’s plan – Click HERE

When a bill is introduced, we will update members in future editions of the Road Warrior.

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

2/20/2008:
Toll-Hike unpopular with residents, Governor’s approval rating sinks
Governor Corzine’s toll-hike plan to repair New Jersey’s broken finances is irritating voters.  Recent polls indicate that 73% of residents oppose his proposal with only 37% approving of the Governor’s job performance overall.

2/11/2008:
Gas Tax Hike gains support from Senate President
As public criticism for the Governor’s toll-hike plan continues to grow, Senate President Richard Codey has stated that he would be open to exploring a Gas Tax increase in addition to a 20% discount for those who spend more than $200 a month on the toll-roads. 

1/29/2008:
Automotive Trade Associations oppose Paid Family Leave
Other trade associations in the automotive industry have lined up against the Paid Family Leave Act.  Rick Allen, a member of the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP/NJ), recently testified before the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee against the measure.

12/25/2007
Opinion: Right to Repair should be law of the land
Citing the need to protect owners and consumers, The Motorcycle Riders Foundation has publicly stated its support for the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act.  The Foundation feels the measure is necessary to safeguard individual vehicle ownership rights.

UPCOMING EVENTS

THE SOUTHEAST PETRO-FOOD MARKETING EXPOSITION
www.sepetro.org

March 5-6, 2008
Myrtle Beach, SC - Myrtle Beach Convention Center
Wednesday, 10:30 am - 5:00 pm & Thursday, 8:30 am-2:00 pm

The 2 day trade show and exposition will feature the latest in retail and petroleum technology and marketing, education seminars, as well as networking with industry leaders!

The nation’s largest regional petroleum and c-store show continues the spring date started in 2001. Approximately 1400 buyers attended last year.

Each year more than 400 exhibit companies offer equipment, products and services to petroleum marketers and convenience store owners and managers. Of course, the latest in products and services will be on display.

Convenience stores, petroleum marketers, car washes and food services will be attending from all over.

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

Northeast Regional Autobody Automotive Trade Show c/o Rockland Exposition Inc.
March 28-30, 2008
Rockland Community College Field House - Suffern, New York
2008 Rockland-Northeast Trade Show Home Page

388 East Main Street
Middletown NY  10940
info@rocklandexpo.com
800.223.4648

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!

TO BE SCHEDULED: MORE TOWN HALL MEETING ON TOLL-HIKE PLAN

NJGCA recently brought you details on Governor Corzine’s Town Hall Meetings to discuss his Toll Hike plan.

New Town Hall Meetings are currently being scheduled.