The Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee advanced several bills focused on eliminating red tape and making it easier for businesses to grow. Taken together, the bills would support entrepreneurs and foster the kind of economic environment that allows businesses, workers, and communities alike to succeed.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill has made removing obstacles to small business a priority. In her first budget address to the Legislature March 10, Sherrill proposed adding $13.3 million in state funding for the New Jersey Innovation Authority to support initiatives like the Permitting Dashboard and the New Jersey Report Card. She’s including $3 million for the Division of Consumer Affairs to upgrade its licensing system and complaint database; and advocates reducing business registration fees and improves procurement assistance for minority and women-owned businesses.
“Small businesses are the backbone of New Jersey’s economy, and our responsibility is to make sure government works with them, not against them,” said Assemblyman William Spearman (D-Camden, Gloucester), Chair of the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee.
“These bills are about making it easier to do business in our state so New Jersey can remain competitive while helping entrepreneurs grow and thrive in their respective industries. One of the best ways we can support our business community is by removing the barriers that make it harder for them to do business in the first place.”
In an effort to give small businesses a fair opportunity to correct minor issues before facing penalties, bill A795 would give certain businesses additional time to address and resolve certain violations. Sponsored by Assemblymen Dave Bailey Jr., Roy Freiman, and Michael Venezia, the legislation would allow state agencies to extend the existing 60-day cure period for certain first-time violations by an additional 30 days.
The Committee also advanced A4275, sponsored by Assemblymen Dan Hutchison and Cody Miller, which would establish an online tracking system for certain permits, licenses, certifications, and form applications. Under the bill, applicants would be able to monitor the status of their submissions, gaining greater insight into approval timelines. By modernizing how applications are tracked and shared, the legislation would make the process easier to navigate for business owners seeking approval.
The committee also passed legislation that would support New Jersey’s economy by adopting a regional planning approach in order to support industries including pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, technology and transportation.
Home to the busiest port on the East Coast, New Jersey supports a vast network of warehouses and distribution centers spread across more than 15 counties tied to activity at the Port of Newark-Elizabeth, and, as such, the economic mobility and resilience of one municipality can have a direct influence on its bordering neighbors.
Recognizing the regional nature of industries like this, the committee advanced bill A3571, sponsored by Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald and Assembly members Heather Simmons and Miller, which would authorize local government entities to enter into regional economic development partnerships to coordinate planning and economic strategies.
