East Coast Burger Company – Great idea but Hugely disappointing!
Tried East Coast Burger last night and fair to say they have some serious bugs to work out. Saying the food was ok is being charitable and it was SLOOOOOOOOWWWW. Maybe it would have tasted better if I hadn’t stood there waiting for 30-40 minutes for a single cheeseburger even though I ordered and paid for a double (got it TO GO so didn’t notice that until I got home). Fries were cold (not from the 3 minute trip home – the cheese wasn’t even melted on the patty) and the shake tasted like Hershey’s syrup – assumed a chocolate shake would be made with chocolate ice cream but shows what I know.
It’s trying to be something like Five Guys but the food isn’t nearly as good and the wait crossed the line from being “ok for a first day” to absurd around minute 20 or so – I almost just walked out without my food even though I had already paid. I assume they’ll work some things out but for over $20 for a burger, fries and shake I’m not sure I’ll risk it again – would be quicker and tastier to drive out to The Fireplace and I’m not going to do that either.
Can New Jersey Shed Its Reputation for Nation’s Worst Tax Policy?
Joseph Henchman og the Tax Foundation.
Garden States Lawmakers Consider Gov. Christie’s Reform Plan
Washington, D.C., June 12, 2012—After more than a quarter-century of being labeled as one of the worst tax systems in the country, New Jersey legislators are busy considering three conflicting tax reform proposals to ease the burden on their residents. Plans from Gov. Chris Christie, the State Senate, and the General Assembly are being debated ahead of a budget deadline of June 30th, and the plan they choose could have long-ranging impacts for New Jersey taxpayers, according to a new study by the Tax Foundation.
Gov. Christie is pushing for an across-the-board income tax cut of 10 percent on each income bracket while increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit from 20 percent to 25 percent over the next four years.
The plan sponsored by Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester) proposes a homeowner income tax credit of 10 percent on property tax bills up to $10,000, which would be limited to annual incomes of $250,000. Similarly, the General Assembly’s proposal aims to increase the income tax credit to 20 percent while increasing millionaires’ marginal tax rates from 8.97 percent to 10.75 percent.
“Attempts to increase the tax burden on high-income individuals would be damaging to long run growth in New Jersey,” said Tax Foundation economist Scott Drenkard. “Economic research indicates that high progressive tax rates discourage developing job skills and career advancement and reduce the number of hours people are willing to work. Furthermore, taxes on high income filers include business income, and raising taxes on this group would have negative effects on long term economic growth.”
Where New Jersey goes from here will soon be determined, but after decades of suffering from a poor tax code, now is the perfect time for legislators to take action to move the state towards more stable and neutral tax policies.
Tax Foundation Fiscal Fact No. 315, “Lawmakers Weigh Tax Schemes in the Garden State” by Scott Drenkard and Elizabeth L. Malm is available online. More information on New Jersey’s tax climate is available here.
The Tax Foundation is a nonpartisan research organization that has monitored fiscal policy at the federal, state and local levels since 1937
NJ TRANSIT new and expanded Bike Policy takes effect July 1, 2012
Ridgewood NJ , Effective July 1, 2012, a new Bike Policy will take effect that will expand travel options for cyclists by allowing bicycles onboard trains at all stations, with a few exceptions.
NJ TRANSIT supports access to its facilities and transportation services by bicycle, as well as by walking, driving or drop-off. An extensive variety of accommodations is offered, providing the greatest flexibility possible within the constraints of capacity and safety. There is no extra charge for bicycles brought aboard NJ TRANSIT vehicles, and no permit is required.
Collapsible bicycles are accommodated on all NJ TRANSIT trains at all times. Standard-frame bicycles and Segways are permitted on the Atlantic City Rail Line at all times.
Standard-frame bicycles and Segways are permitted on other rail lines at all times, except:
On weekday inbound trains that end their trip in Hoboken, Newark or New York between 6-10 a.m.
On weekday outbound trains that originate in Hoboken, Newark or New York between 4-7 p.m.
On major holidays (New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day)
On the day prior to a holiday.
On Friday after Thanksgiving.
On the eves of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
Cyclists and Segway users can only board or alight trains at a station with a high-level or mini high-level platform. For safety reasons, cyclists are not permitted to board or alight trains at a low-level platform, including Hoboken Terminal. This restriction does not apply to collapsible bicycles.
Bicycles and Segways must be kept in the accessible area of your rail car. Only two bicycles or Segways can be accommodated at a time in each car. If space is not available, cyclists or Segway users must wait for the next available train. If a person with a disability requests the accessible space, cyclists or Segway users must walk on the platform to another car or detrain and wait for the next available train.
Tiedowns are recommended and bicycles and Segways should be secured in the manner depicted on the diagram at that location. The cyclist or Segway user must hold and steady a bicycle or Segway that is not secured by tiedowns. The kickstand of the bicycle must remain up at all times. Segway users must walk their Segway on and off the train and may not ride the Segway while on the train.
Cyclists or Segway users must allow other passengers to exit and enter the vehicle before boarding with a bicycle or Segway. Cyclists or Segway users must be able to lift their bicycle or Segway up and down stairs while boarding and detraining rail cars.
If the bicycle or Segway is considered by an NJ TRANSIT employee to pose a hazard to the safety of other passengers due to overcrowded trains or other operating conditions, the employee may prohibit the bicycle or Segway from entering the train car.
Rowan University endorses merger bill but wants autonomy
Rowan University trustees on Monday supported legislation proposing an overhaul of higher education in New Jersey while also expressing concern over a joint governing board controlling Rowan and Rutgers-Camden.
Following a more than two-hour meeting in Glassboro, the board issued a statement endorsing cooperation between the schools as long as the agreement retained “the individual autonomy of both institutions and their respective governing boards.”
“It’s a question of autonomy,” university spokesman Joe Cardona said. “They support the legislation, but not the joint board … as it’s written.” (Obsorbe, The Philadelphia Inquirer)
Most State revenues top forecasts as U.S. governors reduce spending
Most U.S. states are collecting more revenue than they forecast this year as the economy recovers, reducing budget deficits that have persisted in the nation’s capitals since the recession.
Thirty-one states collected more than they expected when drafting budgets for the current fiscal year, which ends this month in most states, according to a report released today by the National Governors Association. Still, state leaders moved to slow the growth of spending in the coming year, reflecting uncertainty about the economy, the report found. (Selway, Bloomberg)
Broad unemployment metric puts N.J. in middle of pack
The government’s broadest measure of unemployment and under-employment shows the labor situation in New Jersey is about average.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics Monday reported 16 percent of the state’s workers were “underutilized” in 2011. That statistic includes the 9.4 percent of New Jerseyans considered unemployed in 2011, as well as those working part-time instead of full-time, due to the economy; and those who were unemployed and open to work, but weren’t actively seeking it.
New Jersey’s 16-percent underutilization rate — referred to as the U-6 rate by the government — was up slightly from 2010 (15.7 percent) and in line with the national figure of 15.9 percent. (Kaltwasser, NJBIZ)
Florida to sue DHS in voter registration battle
By Jonathan Easley – 06/11/12 05:14 PM ET
Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) said he will sue the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to move forward with his controversial attempt to purge the voter-rolls in his state of ineligible voters.
“I have a job to do to defend the right of legitimate voters,” Scott told Fox News on Monday. “We’ve been asking for the Department of Homeland Security’s database, SAVE, for months, and they haven’t given it to us. So this afternoon, we will be filing a lawsuit, the secretary of State of Florida, against the Department of Homeland Security to give us that database. We want to have fair, honest elections in our state and we have been put in a position that we have to sue the federal government to get this information.”
The net worth of the American family has fallen to its lowest level in two decades, according to government data released Monday, driven by a more than 40 percent drop in their stakes in their homes.
The Federal Reserve’s detailed survey of consumer finances showed families’ median wealth plunged from $126,400 in 2007 to $77,300 in 2010 — a 39 percent decline. That put them on par with median wealth in 1992.
Bring your family and friends to enjoy Ridgewood July 4th Celebration on Wednesday, July 4th. Buy Fireworks tickets at local stores in advance and save or online at www.ridgewoodjuly4th.org Schedule of Activities 9 AM – Flag Raising at Wilsey Square (near train station) 10 AM – Parade (Rain or Shine) 6 PM – Gates open for Fireworks – musical entertainment, twirlers, skydivers and FIREWORKS at dark. Further information – www.ridgewoodjuly4th.org
Ridgewood NJ , According to Joseph Henchman ,Vice President, Legal & State Projects, of the Tax Foundation:
Since 2008, several states have attempted to tax online purchases by their state’s residents, https://taxfoundation.org/article/trend-5-amazon-taxes even when the seller has no physical presence in the state. These laws, nicknamed “click-through nexus” or “Amazon tax” laws (after their most visible target), have been extremely controversial.
Contrary to the claims of supporters, do not provide easy revenue. In fact, the nation’s first few Amazon taxes have not produced any revenue at all, and there is some evidence of lost revenue. For instance, Rhode Island has seen no additional sales tax revenue from its Amazon tax, and because Amazon reacted by discontinuing its affiliate program, Rhode Islanders are earning less income and paying less income tax.
While efforts continue at the state level to enact these laws, their dubious constitutionality and lack of success in raising revenue or leveling the playing field has shifted attention to the federal level.
Congress is considering proposals to set standards for state sales tax collection on interstate sales. Two recent proposals in particular would eliminate the physical presence rule but otherwise make advances towards ensuring that states reduce the burdens associated with collecting their sales taxes.
If you’d like us to e-mail you these and all other Tax Foundation reports on state taxes, be sure to subscribe to our State Tax Fiscal Policy Reports and Releases e-mail list at https://taxfoundation.org/tax-foundation-e-mail-updates.
Commerce Secretary John Bryson accused in hit-and-run crashes
June 11, 2012 | 12:25 am
Authorities are investigating a series of traffic collisions in the San Gabriel Valley involving U.S. Secretary of Commerce John Bryson, authorities said Saturday.
Bryson was found unconscious in his vehicle and has been hospitalized, officials said.
Bryson was driving a Lexus in the 400 block of South San Gabriel Boulevard shortly after 5 p.m. Saturday, when he allegedly rear-ended a Buick as it was waiting for a train to pass, according to a statement released by the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department and the San Gabriel Police Department.
After briefly stopping to talk to the three men inside the Buick, Bryson left the location in the Lexus and then struck the Buick a second time, authorities said. The men followed Bryson’s car and called 911 to ask for police assistance.
Bryson continued to drive his Lexus into Rosemead, which is patrolled by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. There, he allegedly crashed into a second vehicle near the intersection of San Gabriel Boulevard and Hellman Avenue.
There authorities found him alone and unconscious behind the wheel of his car.
Bryson was treated at the scene by Los Angeles County firefighters. Authorities said drugs or alcohol do not appear to have played a role in the crash. They said Bryson was cooperative. He was cited for felony hit and run but was not booked into jail because he had been admitted to the hospital. His condition was not known.
A trade group representing third-party power suppliers says a plan to revive the state’s solar industry unfairly singles them out to fund the changes.
The Retail Energy Supply Association is asking legislators to delay implementation of a solar rescue bill, currently being debated in Trenton, until June 2015, which they say would help put all power suppliers — including the state’s regulated utilities — on an equal playing field.
The Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing Thursday on a plan that would boost the renewable energy requirements for New Jersey power suppliers. The change is meant to help the solar industry, which has been in a state of flux for the past year. (Kaltwasser, NJBIZ)
N.J. bill making evaluations key to teacher tenure may soon be introduced
More than a year after state Sen. Teresa Ruiz began gathering evidence on how to overhaul the state’s century-old teacher tenure law, a bill that would link the job protection to regular evaluations may soon be fast-tracked in Trenton.
Ruiz (D-Essex) said during an editorial board meeting late last week that she has meetings scheduled Monday to hammer out the bill’s contents and expects to introduce an updated draft of the legislation as early as this week.
“I’ve wanted to focus on tenure reform since I came into office,” she said. “This month, I intend to post a bill that will be passed and a bill that will be signed.” (Calefati, The Star-Ledger)
Ridgewood Crew puts in strong showing at Nationals
FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Crew emerged with two medals at the Scholastic Rowing Association of America (SRAA) National Championships held at Camden’s Cooper River Park on Memorial Day weekend .
The Ridgewood Crew men’s JV double boat of John Sluis and Trevor Wilkinson brought home a bronze medal from SRAA Nationals, and women’s JV double boat of CJ Chiaramonte, and Maeve Cannon capped its season with a silver medal . While women’s varsity double Megan McKeon and Sophie Noel teamed up for a fifth-place.
Ridgewood Crew is an independent, privately-funded club not affiliated with Ridgewood High School, it fields a 59-rower roster and is comprised almost entirely of RHS students.The club is structured similar to that of most high school-sanctioned sports in that it is split up into varsity, junior varsity and novice levels.
The RC coaching staff includes fourth-year head coach Helen Woznack who not only oversees the entire team but also directly coaches the men’s varsity and JV squads assistant coaches,Becky LoBello (women’s varsity/JV), Jackie Nolan (women’s novice), 2010 RHS graduate James Bigos (men’s novice), Jessica Schneider and Stacey Ornitz.
Ridgewood Crew boast many successful alumnae two currently on rowing scholarships ,Maggie McCrudden, now a sophomore at Syracuse University, the other, Kaitlin Flood, recently completed her freshman season at the University of Delaware.
Other RC rowers have also gone on to compete at Cornell University, George Mason University, Georgetown University, Skidmore College and Williams College.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie scoffed at President Barack Obama’s comments about state and city governments Friday, saying the remarks are an “outrage” and indicative of the “core differences between who we are and what he represents from America.
“The president fundamentally believes that the way to support our economy is to take more in taxes from all of you and spend it on more public workers who then will pay a fraction of that money back in taxes,” Christie told conservatives gathered at the Conservative Political Action Conference here. “If anybody ran a business like that, they would be out of business quickly, and Barack Obama’s leadership is driving this business — the United States of America — toward a fiscal cliff. We’d better stand together in the next five months and stop him from doing it.” (Summers, Politico_
