Businesses have been clamoring to reopen but getting a steady supply of personal protective equipment is a big challenge. The state is asking for ideas on how to make sure equipment is both affordable and reliable. New Jersey Economic Development Authority CEO Tim Sullivan says the EDA has put out a request for information looking for market-based solutions to keep businesses well stocked. Ideas can be submitted to the EDA through Friday.

State lawmakers are expected to vote early next week on a three-month budget for the state’s extended fiscal year. After that, lawmakers will have to tackle a new budget for the next fiscal year. During a webinar hosted by the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin stated there are hard choices ahead when it comes to where to cut expenses. During the webinar, the speaker was asked about whether tax increases are possible, and he stated ” I wouldn’t take anything off the table right now.”

A Missouri appeals court has upheld a talcum powder verdict against New Brunswick-based Johnson & Johnson, in a case involving 22 plaintiffs who alleged a connection between baby powder and cancer. But the court did reduce the damage award — lowering it by more than half to $2.1 billion. Johnson & Johnson has faced thousands of lawsuits over its talc products, which it says are safe. However the company said in May it would stop selling talc-based products in the United States.