NJBIA recently held a Government Affairs Policy Committee meeting with the following guest speakers:
- Daniel Harris, Deputy Executive Director, Assembly Majority Office
- Christopher Emigholz, Chief Government Affairs Officer, NJBIA
- Ray Cantor, Deputy Chief Government Affairs Officer, NJBIA
- Althea Ford, Vice President of Government Affairs, NJBIA
- Jack Ramirez, Director of Economic Policy Research, NJBIA
- Jack Kelly, Government Affairs Specialist, NJBIA
Here are some excerpts from the meeting:
Daniel Harris on Budget Negotiations and Energy Policy
“We have a structural deficit that we're working to close over the next couple of years. I think it's likely you'll see a final product of a mix of cuts, additions and new spending relative to district priorities for members of the Legislature, as well as those couple revenue raisers that I alluded to.”
“Outside of property taxes, energy is probably the second biggest thing on everybody's mind these days. We've knocked out a couple of bills relative to spurring the development of a new nuclear power plant. We're always going to need that energy, especially being part of a 13-state electric grid.
“Hopefully New Jersey can shed its situation as being an importer of energy and perhaps become self-sustaining with a new nuclear power plant down the road.”
Daniel Harris on AI, Data Centers and Emerging Technologies
“The Legislature has stayed away from doing any kind of legislation relative to the siting of data centers. Our current posture is to let municipalities determine their own fate, whether they want a data center in their community. We have, however, worked to ensure that the increased costs from data centers are not hitting residents and businesses in terms of picking up the cost of that increased electricity demand.”
Ray Cantor on Climate Superfund Legislation and NJDEP Flood Rules
“Climate Superfund remains a major priority not only for NJBIA, but also for the larger business community. The bill seeks to impose a $50 billion charge on fossil fuel extractors for presumed damages caused by climate change. We are adamantly opposed to that for multiple reasons. We think it could hurt jobs, drive up costs, and send a really bad message to the business community.”
“The good news on the PACT flood rules is that the Sherrill administration extended the legacy grandfather provisions for another year. A lot of projects don't have to comply with the new rules for a year while the administration reexamines them and engages stakeholders.”
“The real work will be over the next year as we work with DEP and the administration to improve those rules and address concerns raised by the regulated community.”
Althea Ford on AI and Workforce Development
“NJBIA was pleased to participate in a hearing hosted by the Senate Labor and Senate Higher Education Committees to discuss the impacts of AI on the workforce and the economy. There was really great conversation about the use of AI as a tool for employers and employees, and the need to ensure we're not doing anything that compromises our ability to remain competitive.”
“We believe it is important to engage with this emerging technology while making sure we're preparing workers and employers for the future economy. The focus should be on ensuring that New Jersey remains competitive in this rapidly changing digital landscape.”
“Focus New Jersey and NJBIA are now working on a workforce development report with recommendations for policymakers on how we can strengthen the talent pipeline and prepare workers for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”
To join an NJBIA Policy Committees, click NJBIA’s advocacy page here and scroll down to the middle of the page.
