Sweeney Emphasizes Fiscal Reforms As Key Components of Economic Growth & Expansion

NEW BRUNSWICK – Speaking at a meeting of the National Association for Industrial and Office Parks Public Affairs today, Senate President Steve Sweeney emphasized the importance of making fiscal reforms to make New Jersey more affordable to attract and retain businesses and their workers. Senator Sweeney participated in a roundtable discussion at NAIOP’s Annual Public Policy Symposium.

“New Jersey is a great place to live and work but we need to do more to make the state affordable for small businesses, middle class workers and their families,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “If we are going to make New Jersey the prosperous, affordable economic powerhouse we all know and want it to be, we have to tackle some of our most intractable fiscal problems.”

Senator Sweeney said the recommendations of the bipartisan Economic and Fiscal Policy Workgroup of economists, tax policy experts and academics provide a workable blueprint for the reforms needed to control the costs of government before they continue to grow out of control.

“New Jersey faces daunting fiscal challenges that, left unaddressed, will only grow worse,” said Senator Sweeney. “Unless we make fundamental changes everything else we want to do is going to go out the window. We need to make the structural reforms needed to fix the state’s fiscal crisis.”

Senator Sweeney also stressed the value of tax incentives to attract and retain jobs, the importance of funding NJ Transit, and the need to support education, college affordability and job training. These needs can only be met if fiscal reforms are enacted to reduce uncontrolled costs.

“We share commitment to make New Jersey an affordable place to live and do business,” said Mike McGuinness, CEO, NAIOP New Jersey. “We want the jobs and the economic growth that will improve the quality of life for everyone in the state.”

The Commercial Real Estate Development Association is the leading organization for owners and related professionals in office, industrial and mixed-use real estate. NAIOP provides unparalleled industry networking and education, and advocates for effective legislation on behalf of our members. NAIOP advances responsible, sustainable development that creates jobs and benefits the communities in which our members work and live.  NAIOP New Jersey is committed to improving the professionalism of the individual, the image of the industry and the quality of life in our communities.