new jersey business & industry association

A little more than half of the poll respondents believe Murphy has done a good job managing New Jersey's finances since he first took office.

Gov. Phil Murphy on Tuesday unveiled a $55.9 billion budget, up about 5% over his previous year's proposal.

"It's crucial that the state makes smart decisions and be strategic about how the dollars should be deployed," said Ralph Albert Thomas, CEO and executive director of the New Jersey Society of CPAs.

Concerned owners and operators claim that New Jersey's current rules related to capacity and public safety are random and illogical, and offer absolutely no glimpse into what may be permitted in late spring and summer.

The pandemic's impact on New Jersey businesses in 2020, plus its anticipated impact on 2021 revenues, equals fewer perks and limited pay raises next year for workers, according to a survey released by the New Jersey Business & Industry Association.

Despite pleas from the business community, New Jersey's minimum hourly rate will jump to $12 in January 2021.

"Reopening is one thing, sustainability is another," said NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka.

Even before Gov. Murphy handed down strict rules Monday for operating hours of many businesses throughout the Garden State, many said they were being negatively impacted by the coronavirus health crisis.