COUNTY AND MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS

“Governor Murphy, thank you for everything you have done, and continue to do, to provide help to the citizens and businesses of New Jersey during these trying times,” said Berkeley Township Mayor Carmen F. Armato, Jr. “The draft I have seen of the above referenced legislation appears to be a monumental step towards recovery for our State. In addition to providing the support so many desperately need right now, it also protects the environment and provides oversight to assure ‘good government’ at all levels. As Mayor of Berkeley Township I want to thank you and assure my wholehearted support of this legislation.”

“Anything that will help us see our way out of this difficult time is great,” said Linden Mayor Derek Armstead. “I think the Governor is right on track. I am in full support.”

“The road to our recovery from COVID-19 has been further enhanced by our Governor and Legislature’s advancement of vital legislation that will support, strengthen and help grow cities across the state. Cities like Newark require significant development and redevelopment projects that will return revenues to our budget, as well as help our small businesses return to their vibrancy and keep their rightful place in our cities,” said Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. “Notable programs such as the Brownsfield Redevelopment Incentive Program, Food Desert Program and the New Jersey Community-Anchored Development Program signify a true commitment to rebuilding and revitalization. More specifically, the Main Street Recovery Finance Program and increasing funding for our small businesses are critically important for communities and specifically our Black and LatinX businesses disproportionally hit harder during the pandemic and who are in need of dire, ongoing local, state and federal economic stimulus funding. A recent study by United Way of Greater Newark states that 30% of Newark’s small businesses are at risk of closing. We have the unique opportunity to bolster our urban centers, to support our residents and to strive for our collective transition from the pandemic to be one of true urban transformation.”

“We have made great strides in revitalizing and beautifying downtown Metuchen,” said Metuchen Mayor Jonathan Busch. “I am glad to see that the economic recovery and tax incentives reform package proposed by the Governor and legislative leadership includes the Main Street Recovery Finance Program, the Historic Property Tax Credit, and many other provisions that will help bring more investments to Metuchen.”

“I am delighted that the Governor and Legislature have laid out such a comprehensive program that touches a multiple of economic development initiatives that is certain to make New Jersey a leader in attracting new businesses to our state as well as assisting the recovery and growth of our existing small businesses,” said Wildwood Mayor Pete Byron. “In light of the devastating effects of COVID 19, the relief packages provided by the administration and legislature cannot come at a more critical time for our local communities. I am especially grateful that Governor Murphy and Senate President Sweeney were so diligent in providing an effective oversight of the tax incentive programs. The built-in safeguards of the programs will uphold public confidence that tax dollars are being spent wisely and appropriately.”

“The collaboration of the Governor and the Legislature in the preparation of the economic recovery package will provide a comprehensive set of tools for municipalities to tackle the current recession head on,” said New Brunswick Mayor Jim Cahill. “By maintaining and expanding key elements of successful legacy programs and creating new and innovative incentive and funding programs, this ‘investment’ in our State and municipalities will provide both economic and social returns in the immediate and long term future.”

“New Jersey has some of the nicest downtowns in our country but are struggling in the pandemic fueled recession,” said Madison Mayor Robert H. Conley. “The economic recovery package especially the new programs of Main Street Recovery Finance Program and Historic Property Tax Credit will provide valuable support as residents are rediscovering our town center for shopping and entertainment.”

“Governor Murphy’s package of tax credits, finance programs, and targeted investments offers a hopeful way forward for New Jersey,” said Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis. “The package would provide economic benefits to the state while also attracting business to New Jersey. Governor Murphy’s programs will help New Jersey to navigate the waters toward greater prosperity after the pandemic has passed. We need this package to lift us up to better days ahead.”

“I would like to thank the Governor and legislators for creating this comprehensive economic recovery package for all the residents of New Jersey,” said Union Township Mayor Michele S. Delisfort. “Collectively, these initiatives will provide much-needed relief to businesses during these difficult times, as well as create job opportunities for families in need. And more importantly, it will give them the tools and resources needed for long-term recovery.”

“This broad-based plan will provide a desperately needed lifeline to Cumberland County’s residents and businesses,” said Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Director Joseph Derella. “On behalf of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, I fully support this comprehensive plan to rebuild our local economy devastated by the impact of the pandemic.”

“I am excited by the possibilities of programs such as Main Street recovery Finance Program as Berkeley Heights businesses are still reeling from the pandemic. This is the hope we needed in our community,” said Berkeley Heights Mayor Angie Devanney. “As a community built on the technology of Bell Labs as its headquarters in Murray Hill 1941, I am also truly thrilled about New Jersey Innovation Evergreen Fund to encourage start-ups to locate in suburban communities. These State programs should assist the Township in working with its corporate neighbor to design smart, sustainable development at the single largest site in the community while providing jobs, community, green space and direct and indirect economic benefit to the Township. I commend Governor Murphy and his staff for helping to jump start the economic engines of suburban communities.”

“This economic incentives package will be a real boon for Flemington,” said Flemington Mayor Betsy Driver. “I expect it will attract significant investment in Flemington Borough.”

“I am pleased to see that the Economic Recovery Act of 2020 includes support for small, traditional downtowns and business districts through new programs like the Main Street Recovery Finance Program,” said Cranford Mayor Patrick Giblin. “The oversight provided by an Independent Inspector General is equally important, to maintain accountability.”

“We need a spark that is going to help our urban economies persevere through the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, and there is a great deal in this legislation that can help the Capital City do just that,” said Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora. “These incentives could help restore our revolutionary and industrial historic sites, create jobs through transformative redevelopment projects in our downtown and transit zones, and help combat widespread food insecurity, which has been made all the worse by the pandemic.”

“With an increased focus on access to financing for transformative projects, collaborative workspaces, real estate development projects, and expanding Community Benefit Agreements, Governor Murphy and the Legislature demonstrate a firm commitment to provide mechanisms to support building and rebuilding all communities,” said Burlington County Freeholder Director Felicia Hopson. “This well-timed decisive legislation energizes the framework for future growth and development that Willingboro Township is creating as we update our Master Plan.”

“The economic recovery and tax incentives reform package being considered by the Legislature and supported by Governor Murphy is critical to communities like ours,” said Freehold Borough Mayor Kevin Kane. “As we look towards the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to continue to attract businesses to Freehold and with this package, we will have an entire suite of tools to do exactly that.”

“I am appreciative of the innovative and thoughtful approach that Governor Murphy and his team is taking in crafting an economic recovery platform for business and industry in the Garden State,” Bridgeton City Mayor Al Kelly. “This is no easy task as it requires balancing the immediate demands of public health resulting from the pandemic with the need to remain forward-leaning once we move past the worst of the pandemic. This recovery package strikes the right balance between these vital but competing interests.”

“As a mayor in a community hit hard by COVID, I’m thrilled that the Economic Recovery Package addresses many of the issues raised by communities and businesses most impacted this year,” said Clinton Mayor Janice Kovach. “We are in need of the resources that will be available and look forward to working with the Governor and his staff to see them implemented.”

“As New Jersey’s retail capital, Paramus is excited for this legislation which will bring even more jobs and businesses to our community,” said Paramus Mayor Rich LaBarbiera. “I thank the Governor, the Senate President, and the Speaker for their efforts on this bill package. We look forward to the many benefits that this will bring to our community.”

“With an increased focus on access to financing for transformative projects, collaborative workspaces, real estate development projects, and expanding Community Benefit Agreements, Governor Murphy and the Legislature demonstrate a firm commitment to provide mechanisms to support building and rebuilding all communities,” Passaic Mayor Hector Lora. “This well-timed decisive legislation energizes the framework for future growth and development that Willingboro Township is creating as we update our Master Plan.”

“The proposed EDA Incentives program will make a significant difference to the economic development landscape in cities all across New Jersey,” said Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp. “I applaud the Governor and both branches of the legislature for their forward thinking and for recognizing the need to provide tax credits in order to incentivize businesses to establish and retain new supermarkets and grocery stores in food desert communities.”

“On behalf of the Freeholder Board, I would like to thank Governor Murphy, Senate President Sweeney, and Assembly Speaker Coughlin for creating a strong recovery package,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “Swift and decisive action is needed in order to ensure that New Jersey emerges from the COVID-19 crisis stronger than ever before, with more opportunities for all residents and businesses to share in the benefits of a modern, 21^st century economy. The Freeholder Board strongly supports the Aspire Program as part of the economy recovery package. It will enable Union County, and communities like it, to build a lasting, transformative infrastructure that will impact job creation and economic development throughout New Jersey for years to come.”

“COVID-19 has created a harsh economic environment for every community throughout New Jersey, and Middlesex County is no exception,” said Middlesex County Freeholder Director Ronald Rios. “Right now we need all the help we can get, and I am encouraged to see an incentive program that is absolutely essential to support our small business community, prevent job losses, and provide aid to our economy as a whole. With no indication that Congress will pass direct assistance to counties and local governments, this incentive plan is NJ putting its best foot forward.”

“Having innovative economic development incentives that are accountable, equitable, and enticing are critical to ensuring the future economy of New Jersey.  I applaud the Governor and the Legislature for moving forward on a sweeping array of incentives that will undoubtably ensure future growth and prosperity in Paterson and in other municipalities,” said Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh. “Quite frankly, it couldn’t come at a better time, as we are still fighting this pandemic.  With these strong incentives to drive investment and balanced growth, we will position our state, and diverse communities across the Garden State, to rebound from one of the largest challenges of a lifetime.”

“As the Mayor and on behalf of the Borough of Roselle, please accept our community’s strong support and endorsement of the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020. This Act will drive the sustainable economic growth that is so desperately needed in historically underserved municipalities, such as the Roselle, which have also been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in these challenging times,” said Roselle Mayor Donald Shaw. “The Borough of Roselle continually strives to enhance collaborative efforts to work with public-private partnerships and the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020 will provide the catalyst to attract more high-growth businesses to New Jersey with financing incentives and tax credits, while also providing much-needed support to small businesses that are the backbone of our local economy coupled with robust labor protections, such as prevailing wage requirements. These measures will also augment the rehabilitation of qualified properties in financially distressed municipalities such as Roselle. I strongly urge the New Jersey State Assembly and State Senate to expedite the passage of this bill so that Governor Murphy may begin to immediately implement the much-needed and innovative provisions of the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020.”

“I am in strong support of the agreement on economic recovery and tax incentive reform reached between Governor Murphy and legislative leadership,” said Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, Sr. “This pandemic has revealed the urgent need for us to come together as a State to bolster our economy and put our New Jersey families first. This agreement will help Atlantic City’s recovery from the economic crisis caused by COVID-19 and attract more high-growth businesses to our city.”

“The innovation economy in Parsippany is growing. Just this week, a Parsippany student won the Congressional App Challenge with her platform for providing food to those in need,” said Parsippany Mayor Michael Soriano. “Imagine if all of our creative minds had access to the same resources as major private enterprises. That is my hope for this bill: to make New Jersey and communities like mine the center of global innovation.”

“The economic recovery package is a necessary and crucial step in assisting Mount Laurel small businesses as well as South Jersey in our efforts to recover from the harsh financial effects of COVID-19,” said Mount Laurel Councilman Stephen Steglik. “I applaud the state legislature for taking action during a time in which our communities need it the most.”

“Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bergen County has acted swiftly and aggressively to provide financial assistance to small business, which will exceed $50 million in relief by the end of the year,” said Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco. “With COVID-19 continuing to cause financial hardship on businesses across New Jersey, I applaud the State’s effort to pass this comprehensive economic recovery package. This measure aims to restore economic vitality to our state through new innovative economic development growth programs while also providing continued support to the businesses that make up the backbone of Main Street, Bergen County.”

“The New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020 offers necessary programs that will help the Township of Irvington, its residents and small businesses recover from the challenges presented by the COVID-19 global outbreak,” said Irvington Mayor Tony Vauss. “Amongst the many initiatives created, reformed or expanded by the Act, Irvington will undeniably benefit from the creation of new, high-paying jobs; the availability of financing that is used to support commercial, industrial, mixed-use and residential real estate development projects; grants, loans and technical assistance being provided to our small businesses; and expanded access to fresh food. I look forward to the revitalization that Irvington will experience as a result of the Act, and I sincerely hope for the sake of my residents, that it is passed before we transition into the New Year.

“I’m very pleased that Governor Murphy, Senate President Sweeney and Speaker Coughlin have prioritized ensuring this tax incentive program is passed,” said Bloomfield Mayor Mike Venezia. “This is crucial for our economic recovery and job creation in our towns across the state.”

“With an increased focus on access to financing for transformative projects, collaborative workspaces, real estate development projects, and expanding Community Benefit Agreements, Governor Murphy and the Legislature demonstrate a firm commitment to provide mechanisms to support building and rebuilding all communities,” said Willingboro Township Mayor Dr. Tiffani A. Worthy. “This well-timed decisive legislation energizes the framework for future growth and development that Willingboro Township is creating as we update our Master Plan.”

PRIVATE SECTOR AND LABOR LEADERS

“We are pleased to see that the agreement between the Governor and legislative leadership on economic recovery and tax incentives reform includes labor harmony provisions,” said Charles N. Hall, Jr., President of Local 108 of the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union (RWDSU). “Good high-paying jobs for our members are a win for our union and a win for New Jersey. We support this legislation and urge its swift passage.”

“Passage of this incentives bill before the end of this financially devastating year could not be more welcome or timely,” said Michael G. McGuiness, CEO of NAIOP New Jersey. “It’s the culmination of 18 months of hard work and collaboration and guarantees that New Jersey sees a 200-400% rate of return on every dollar invested. Like the arrival of the COVID vaccine, this bill will be the booster shot for New Jersey’s economy.”

“Recovery from the pandemic not only takes time, but also thoughtful, comprehensive assistance targeting multiple segments of the economy as well as our underserved communities,” said Wayne Meyer, President of New Jersey Community Capital. “The New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020 leverages the critical work of nonprofits and mission-driven organizations and provides the necessary resources to anchor community development, address food deserts, revive Main Streets, and enable entrepreneurs to build new businesses and livelihoods.”

“The New Jersey Building & Construction Trades Council, which comprises 15 international building trades unions and 13 county councils, representing approximately 150,000 members and the Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey, which represents union general building contractors, construction managers, heavy, highway, site development and utility contractors in New Jersey support A4/S3295 the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020,” said the New Jersey Construction Trades and Associated Contractors of New Jersey. “This new suite of New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) incentive programs will further encourage business investment in many communities in New Jersey. The proposed programs will foster many mixed-use, institutional, rehabilitation, facility expansion projects and other creative and innovative development projects that meet our state’s changing demographics. We commend the sponsors, the Governor, Senate President and the Speaker for the tremendous leadership role they played in making this a reality. This legislation is not only good for the state of New Jersey. It is an investment into the hard-working trades men and women. These jobs support families who are active members of their communities who in turn support local businesses throughout New Jersey. As labor leaders it is not lost on us how interconnected everyone’s economic well-being is tied together. We stand behind commitments to common-sense solutions that create a thriving business environment and a dynamic real-estate market, which translate into construction opportunities. Our organizations have worked tirelessly alongside our labor partners to advance legislative initiatives which create opportunities that will have lasting effects for generations. Our industry strongly believes A4/S3295 has the potential to create those economic development opportunities, on a statewide basis, to benefit both public and private sectors in our great state.”

“In the middle of a global pandemic, there has never been a more urgent time to develop new and improved standards to recruit, retain, and support businesses here in New Jersey. Garden State residents will be pleased to know that this legislation incentivizes private investment and directs resources to help our main streets, our urban centers, our struggling communities, our working families, and businesses of all sizes,” said Raymond M. Pocino, Vice President and Eastern Regional Manager for the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA). “It is a fact that New Jersey is competing with other states, other countries, to retain and attract job-creating businesses. While we must compete with other states, we should not be at war with our own future by crafting policies that are too generous or lax in accountability and compliance. It may have been a long time coming, but the New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020 recognizes this point and gets it right for New Jersey. I am grateful to Governor Murphy, Senate President Sweeney, and Assembly Speaker Coughlin for their roles in advancing legislation that is smart, targeted, transparent, and in the best interest of ALL New Jerseyans.”

“This bill represents a huge step forward for New Jersey’s technology and start-up communities,” said Ari Rabban, CEO of Phone.com. “The addition of a dedicated innovation fund will be a catalyst for businesses owners and entrepreneurs to not only start their companies here in New Jersey, but remain here as they grow. This is another example of how New Jersey values the technology industry and innovation.”

“We are very pleased to see legislation for a new economic incentive program moving forward to help us attract and retain businesses that create jobs,” said Michele Siekerka, President and CEO of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association. “Innovation, workforce development and manufacturing are hallmark missions for NJBIA and they are strongly prioritized in this bill. We believe growth in all three of these areas are the foundations of economic development in the state.”

“This bill is exactly what New Jersey needs as our economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, and we thank the governor and legislative leaders for getting this done,” said New Jersey State AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech. “The addition of prevailing wage, project labor agreements and labor harmony provisions in this revamped incentives plan is a huge boost to working men and women across New Jersey, and will provide thousands of good-paying jobs for our union brothers and sisters.”