In C-suites across the country, they’ve started using the R-word — recession. According to the Conference Board, CEO confidence has dropped to the lowest levels since the start of the pandemic. Fifty-seven percent of them expect the economy will experience a short, mild recession, saying business conditions have gotten worse due to high inflation and continued supply chain problems. There were some positives in this report; the majority of executives are looking to expand their workforce, although eight out of 10 respondents say they’re still having trouble finding qualified workers.
When it comes to how New Jersey will spend billions in excess revenue, business leaders say they keep hearing everything is on the table and open for discussion. And they continue to push for tax relief. So far requests for funds to offset unemployment insurance tax increases have not been answered. But the New Jersey Business and Industry Association says there are other opportunities for tax relief. NJBIA president and CEO Michele Siekerka says Gov. Phil Murphy’s proposed new property-tax relief program — called ANCHOR — should include businesses.
There has long been a gender pay gap where women earn on average less than men. That ended on Wednesday, at least in the world of soccer. The U.S. Soccer Federation has reached a deal to pay players on the U.S. Men’s National Team and the U.S Women’s Team equally. And World Cup prize money will be shared equally as well.
