A bill to ban smoking in Atlantic City’s casinos is picking up additional bipartisan support. Sen. Michael Testa (R-Cumberland) says he has added his backing to the bill as a co-sponsor. The legislation would amend the state’s smoke-free act to include casinos, which are currently exempt. A group of casino workers called CEASE is pushing to get the bill passed, citing health concerns. The Casino Association of New Jersey has said banning smoking would cost jobs and tax revenue. The bill failed to win final approval in the last legislative session, but Gov. Phil Murphy has said he will sign a casino smoking ban into law if passed by the Legislature.
Legislation moving forward in Trenton encourages local and county governments to enter into economic development partnerships. The idea is to take a more coordinated approach to development, which could result in an expanded tax base. Find out more here.
Fourteen municipalities around the state will share $3.8 million in Transit Village grants for the 2022 fiscal year. The money goes to municipalities to help encourage the use of mass transit, and promote economic development near rail and bus stations.
The Great Resignation is cooling a bit, as people are no longer quitting their jobs in record numbers. In December, 4.34 million people quit their jobs — still a lot — but that number is down from November’s record. Meantime, there were nearly 11 million job openings in December, more openings than there are people to fill them, according to the latest government data.
