Wednesday, July 16, 2008

A Troubling Sign for New Jersey’s Economic Future

The New Jersey Policy Research Organization, the think tank of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA), recently released a Study of New Jersey’s business climate. The Study included a telephone poll of 249 business leaders as well as interviews of 29 New Jersey and out-of-state business and government leaders. It also provided 37 policy recommendations for New Jersey based on other states’ best practices. The results of the Study are a troubling sign for New Jersey’s economic future.

When asked what is most likely to prevent a company from reaching its goals, 21% of Study respondents said the affordability of living in New Jersey, while 20% said New Jersey’s unfavorable tax structure, and 19% said the availability of a skilled workforce. Regarding the most negative impact on New Jersey’s companies, 26% of Study respondents cited the State’s tax policy while 16% said New Jersey’s healthcare policy most negatively impacts the State’s business community. Most troubling for New Jersey’s economy, 42% of Study respondents said that if the State government’s policies remain the same, the business climate will deteriorate while only 26% said that the climate will improve.

Continue reading ShapTalk.com: A Troubling Sign for New Jersey's Economic Future

Michael M. Shapiro, founder of ShapTalk.com, is an attorney who resides in New Providence, New Jersey. He currently serves as the Editor of The Alternative Press Contact Mike at mike@shaptalk.com