January 25, 2008

GREETINGS AND SAL-UTATIONS!

Dear NJGCA Member:

NEW SYSTEM, ANNOUNCEMENTS

The last few months have brought a great deal of change to NJGCA and things are constantly improving.

Among these improvements is a new e-newsletter delivery system we are currently rolling out. It allows us greater flexibility in getting you timely information and news.

One new and exciting feature is a tracking report. Essentially, it allows us to see how many messages are delivered, how many are opened, and what links were clicked. This is a valuable tool in figuring out how you respond to our communications. Overall, I’m very impressed by it.

However, no system is flawless and there will undoubtedly be a few errors. If that should occur, I ask for your patience as we sort through any bugs.

The Governor is continuing his push to hike our tolls. Six new Town Hall Meetings have been scheduled to promote his plan.

NJGCA encourages all members and their customers to attend these meetings; tell the Governor what you think of his proposal!! The new schedule is below.

Next week is our DEP Compliance Seminars in Pompton Plains and Tinton Falls. I look forward to seeing many of you at these events.

Thanks for reading. See you next week!

Regards,
Sal Risalvato,
Executive Director

IN THIS WEEK’S NJGCA ROAD WARRIOR:

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

• NJ residents unconvinced by Corzine’s Toll-Hike Plan
• Opinion: Look for wasteful spending at the Turnpike Authority
• State Tax Collection falls $53 Million
• Market Prediction: NJ Economy will slow, unemployment will rise

TRENTON TRAFFIC
State House Legislative Report:

• Paid Family Leave Hearing on Monday!

REVISED FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT FORMS FOR NEW HIRES

• Use revised I-9 forms for all new hires!

UPCOMING EVENTS

• Updated: Town Hall Meetings on Toll-Hike Plan

NEWS AROUND THE STATE

1/22/2008:
NJ residents unconvinced by Corzine’s Toll-Hike Plan
A recent Fairleigh Dickinson University PublicMind poll illustrates that the Governor’s approval ratings falling to 44% as he promotes his toll-hike plan; 57% of residents opposing the proposal.

1/22/2008:
Opinion: Look for wasteful spending at the Turnpike Authority
A recent editorial chides Governor Corzine’s toll-hike plan without investigating known wasteful spending at the Turnpike Authority. Recent reports demonstrate that salaries and overtime have jumped significantly since the Highway Authority was merged with the Turnpike Authority in 2003.

1/18/2008:
State Tax Collection falls $53 Million
The NJ State Treasurer reported a significant drop in December income and casino taxes, further driving fears of a $3 Billion shortfall for the next fiscal year.

1/17/2008:
Market Prediction: NJ Economy will slow, unemployment will rise
A recent report by the Rutgers Economic Advisory Service indicates that tough times may be ahead for the Garden State as the state’s economy will likely perform worse than the rest of the nation's through at least 2012.

TRENTON TRAFFIC
State House Legislative Report:

Legislative Committee to take testimony on the Paid Family Leave Act!

On Monday, January 28th the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee will have hearings on S-786, the Paid Family Leave Act. NJGCA Executive Director, Sal Risalvato, will be in attendance to give testimony on how this legislation will impact small-businesses.
REVISED FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT FORMS FOR NEW HIRES

The United States Department of Homeland Security has recently updated its Employment Eligibility Employment Form, commonly known as an I-9 form.

All employers must use a revised I-9 form for all new hires. However, it will not be necessary to complete new forms for existing employees. Employers who fail to use the revised form will be subject to applicable penalties.

UPCOMING EVENTS

TOWN HALL MEETING ON TOLL-HIKE PLAN

NJGCA recently brought you details on Governor Corzine’s 21 Town Hall Meetings to discuss his Toll Hike plan.

The next six meetings have been scheduled.

NJGCA Members oppose this proposal.

We strongly encourage all members and their customers to attend and tell the Governor exactly what they think of his plan.

Governor Corzine is not permitting anyone to attend unless they RSVP. To register, click HERE

Monday, January 28, 2008 7-9pm
Voorhees (Camden County)
Voorhees Middle School - Performing Arts Center
1000 Holly Oak Drive
Voorhees, NJ 08043
Call (609) 292-9763

Wednesday, January 30, 2008 7-9pm
Cranford (Union County)
Union County College - Roy Smith Theater
1033 Springfield Ave.
Cranford, NJ 07016
Call (609) 777-2212

Saturday, February 2, 2008 2-4pm
Toms River (Ocean County)
Toms River North High School - Ritacco Center
1245 Old Freehold Rd.
Toms River, NJ 08753
Call (609) 777-2210

Monday, February 4, 2008 7-9pm
Marlboro (Monmouth County)
Marlboro High School
95 North Main St.
Marlboro, NJ 07746
Call (609) 777-2607

Wednesday, February 6, 2008 7-9pm
Wayne (Passaic County)
Passaic County Technical Institute
45 Reinhardt Rd.
Wayne, New Jersey 07470
Call (609) 777-2510

Thursday, February 7, 2008 7-9pm
Mays Landing (Atlantic County)
Atlantic Cape Community College - Walter E. Edge Theater
5100 Black Horse Pike
Mays Landing, NJ 08330-2699
Call (609) 777-2208