Statement from N.J. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Bracken on the State of the State address:

“The governor said small business is the backbone of New Jersey’s economy. That backbone needs more help now as it deals with a pandemic going on two years old. We must take action now to support the small businesses of our state or we will not be able to generate revenue for the programs the governor touted today.”

“We heard a number of positive things in the Governor’s speech. His administration’s work on containing the spread of COVID-19 has helped keep businesses open. We are happy to hear the governor reiterate his promise of no new taxes. However, we are disappointed that Gov. Murphy did not mention the scores of businesses still struggling and in desperate need of immediate help. This is  concerning to us because the investments the governor cited may bring benefits in the long term but our small businesses need help NOW.”