The following is a statement from Christina M. Renna, president & CEO, Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey:

“The Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) was pleased to hear a strong acknowledgment from Governor Murphy that the way business is conducted today is different than it was pre-pandemic. This fact must be taken into consideration as state-based incentive programs continue to be reevaluated and retooled for the modern-day workforce. Additionally, the continued focus on wind energy by this Administration has positioned South Jersey to be the wind capital of the northeast, which will equate to new and high-paying green jobs in the region. The CCSNJ is grateful that South Jersey has been given the opportunity to be the birthplace of this budding industry and looks forward to continuing to reap its economic benefits. 

As Governor Murphy looks ahead to his budget message for FY2024, the CCSNJ would like to see a heightened focus on affordability in the form of significant tax policy changes on the residents and businesses of the state. With one of the highest income tax rates and the highest corporate tax rates in the nation, not to mention the Unemployment Insurance tax hike on businesses which could have been avoided, New Jersey deserves and desperately needs substantive tax relief. The CCSNJ stands ready to work with the Administration on robust policies that will change New Jersey’s outlier status when it comes to taxation policy and affordability moving forward.” 

###