The business community has thoughts about how to spend all of the extra revenue that recently has flowed to New Jersey. The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce says businesses need tax and financial relief and repeated calls for more grants to small businesses still trying to get back on their feet after the pandemic. In addition, the Chamber wants to see some of the revenue allocated to the unemployment insurance fund, reducing the tax burden for businesses. The Chamber states that investing in the business community will lead to a vibrant economy.
The state and several municipalities are getting additional federal money to revitalize neighborhoods and expand affordable housing. In announcing the funding, Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) said disadvantaged communities were already struggling even before the COVID-19 pandemic and that the new money is vital to ensuring a recovery. The funding — $177 million in all — is coming from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Part of that will also go to several county governments.
According to the state Division of Gaming Enforcement, Atlantic City casinos won $235 million from gamblers in April, an increase of 24% from last April. It’s a reason for optimism, according to Jane Bokuneiwicz, faculty director at the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality and Tourism at Stockton University.
RWJ Barnabas Health and St. Peter’s Healthcare say the state has approved their deal to create an academic medical center in New Brunswick. Approval from the federal government is still needed.
