Reform Agenda

The Somerset County Business Partnership’s Board of Directors have approved the “Reform Agenda for An Affordable New Jersey,” a policy statement developed from input at our October 2, 2009 “Making New Jersey Affordable for Businesses & Residents: A Public Policy Forum.”  This forum, attended by more than 300 people, was held to gather solutions from business owners, executives and everyday citizens for making New Jersey a more affordable place to live and do business. 

After analyzing the recommendations, the Business Partnership’s Legislative Affairs Committee has initiated the following “Reform Agenda” to guide our advocacy for 2010:

Reform tax structure to keep businesses and residents in New Jersey

-To keep residents at all income levels from moving out of the state to avoid tax regulations hindering the accrual and transference of wealth.

-Identify tax rates the will enhance economic activity, create jobs, and promote employee retention.

Reform the public employees’ pension system to make it affordable and sustainable

-All incoming public employees would be required to participate in a defined contribution retirement plan.

-State and local government entities will not defer their employee  pension obligations.

Reform the public sector bargaining system to reflect the public’s ability to pay

-Arbitrators cannot exceed state mandated cap laws.

-Require arbitrators to be certified .

Reform New Jersey’s dependency on local property taxes

-Continue to advocate for voluntary consolidation of services at the municipal level.

-Support reforms to school aid funding formula that is based on statewide student needs.