Testa Earns NJ Chamber’s Legislator of the Year Award

Senator Michael Testa will receive the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce’s biannual Legislator of the Year Award during an event tonight in Holmdel.

Testa, an influential first-term Senator representing Legislative District 1, will be joined by honorees from the public and private sectors for “leading New Jersey through the pandemic and outstanding support of business and economic growth in the Garden State” during the Chamber’s Legislative and Business Awards Reception at the Bell Works center.

“Every New Jersey resident can benefit from a strong, vibrant state economy,” said Testa. “I am proud of my efforts on behalf of crucial job-creators and the families that rely on them for good jobs, career opportunities and income, and I’m humbled to receive this award from the New Jersey Chamber.”

Tom Bracken, the State Chamber of Commerce’s president and CEO, cited Testa for “taking substantive action to help New Jersey’s economy persevere through one of the most difficult times in modern history.” He complimented the Senator’s “proactive support for employers and employees, particularly in a time when there is no blueprint for action.”

Testa is a vocal member of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, advocating for transparency and fiscal responsibility in government. After the COVID-19 Emergency Bond Act was enacted, he led the charge in challenging the constitutionality of borrowing almost $10 billion without voter approval.

“For too long, Trenton has created taxes and obstacles that have made New Jersey a difficult place to do business,” said Testa, co-chair of the Legislative Manufacturing Caucus of New Jersey. “It is my honor to influence change and make our state more welcoming and affordable for employers and our talented workforce.

“The most effective way to boost the standard of living for all New Jerseyans is through a growing economy and thriving businesses hiring more workers at higher salaries,” Testa said.

As a representative of the First Legislative District, one of the key areas of tourism in our state, Testa fought tirelessly for the struggling businesses that had been affected by the pandemic and pressured the Murphy Administration to lift restrictions that were smothering small employers.

To encourage residents and tourists to patronize local businesses in his district, Testa led a business recovery tour that helped bring customers and renewed hope to small enterprises fighting for survival.