​​Dear Members of the NJ State Legislature:

As you consider the governor’s proposed Fiscal Year 2022 budget, the below chambers of commerce representing all regions of the state would like to provide feedback and offer suggestions about ways to most effectively allocate funds that will help our economy recover from the shutdown caused by the pandemic and effectively attack our state’s most pressing issue – the economic crisis.

We would first like to acknowledge many positive elements in this proposed budget, particularly that it does not include new or increased taxes, fees or fares. We also appreciate the necessary investments in education, innovation and infrastructure modernization. We encourage you to keep these items in the final budget.  Additionally, we are grateful for the measures that the Legislature has passed over the last several months which have alleviated issues for businesses operating during the pandemic. And of course, we are looking forward to the implementation of the Economic Recovery Act of 2020, which could provide a great foundation for a robust economic recovery.  This pandemic has devastated the state in both the medical and the economic sense. The governor has said from the beginning that public health creates economic health. Now that the number of hospitalizations and positive COVID-19 tests are trending downward and the vaccination process is underway, there are reasons to be optimistic that we are on a road to recovery and to achieving herd immunity. As we continue to lift restrictions and allow for more businesses to open up, we need to equip them with the tools they need to survive, recover and succeed.