The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
file photo uber driver
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TRENTON, NJ — Senator Jon Bramnick (R-21) has publicly voiced strong opposition to the Murphy administration’s proposed Department of Labor (DOL) rule change on independent contractors, warning it could have devastating economic consequences for workers, families, and small businesses across New Jersey.
After some political twists and turns and some setbacks, optimism continues to rise about the controversial Citi Field Casino ultimately moving to green light status. The reason for the sudden optimism comes when the New York legislature narrowed the projects down to three licenses. Despite state senator Sigal opposing the Queens project or building any casino in New York City, he has recently changed his tune to the Citi Field Casino due to the backing of Mets owner Steve Cohen.
Continue reading Proposed NY Citi Field Casino Project Progresses
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Trenton, NJ — The Murphy administration is under fire yet again — this time over a controversial Department of Labor proposal that critics say could deal a devastating blow to New Jersey’s gig economy, small businesses, and worker flexibility.
Continue reading Another Blow to Business? NJ’s New Contractor Rule Sparks Backlash
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Trenton NJ, Assemblyman Christopher P. DePhillips (40-R) is close to successfully increasing the angel investor tax credit once again after doubling it in 2019. His bill incentivizing financial support for technology startups passed both the full Assembly and Senate on Monday, sending it to the governor’s desk for a signature.
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Everett Washington, the Trump administration tariffs have saved American manufacturers struggling to keep blue-collar jobs in the U.S. from moving production overseas, according to Electric Mirror CEO Jim Mischel, whose industry has been hit hard by unfair trade practices by China and other countries.
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Hackensack NJ, the New Jersey Innovation and Technology Alliance sent a letter to Governor Murphy and state lawmakers, urging them to support AI startups and avoid regulatory proposals that could undermine innovation and push growth elsewhere.
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Trenton NJ, NJBIA’s 2025 Regional Business Climate Analysis, released today, shows New Jersey ranks last in the region in cost competitiveness and business taxes for a seventh consecutive year.
Is Full-Time Remote Work Coming to an End?
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Ridgewood NJ, The Covid-19 pandemic reshaped the way we work, with remote and hybrid models becoming the new norm. However, many companies that initially embraced this flexibility are now reversing course. Major employers like Amazon, Dell, and Walmart, along with federal government agencies, have announced return-to-office (RTO) mandates, requiring employees to be in the office more frequently—some even five days a week.
Continue reading The Return-to-Office Push: Why More Companies Are Calling Employees Back
photos courtesy of the Village of Ridgewood
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Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Parks and Recreation Department had a fantastic turnout at their Summer Job Fair on Wednesday evening, handing out over 100 job applications to eager applicants!
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Ridgewood NJ, the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose by 3.4 points in December to 105.1, the second consecutive month above the 51-year average of 98 and the highest reading since October 2018. Of the 10 Optimism Index components, seven increased, two decreased, and one was unchanged. The Uncertainty Index declined 12 points in December to 86.
Continue reading Small Business Optimism Surges Again, Reaches Six-Year High!
In today’s fast-paced job market, professionals are constantly looking for ways to enhance their skills and stay ahead of industry demands. Versatile programs that offer flexible learning options and specialized training have become essential tools for career growth. These programs are tailored to meet the needs of individuals seeking to expand their knowledge while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.
The increasing demand for cross-disciplinary expertise has led to the rise of programs that cater to professionals from diverse industries. These programs provide advanced knowledge and open doors to new opportunities. These educational paths help professionals remain competitive in an ever-changing economy by equipping individuals with the tools to adapt and thrive.
Continue reading The Value of Versatile Graduate Programs for Modern Professionals
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Ridgewood NJ, the U.S. job market showed continued resilience in December, with total nonfarm payroll employment increasing by 256,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The unemployment rate remained stable at 4.1%, marking seven months of consistent rates between 4.1% and 4.2%.
Continue reading December Jobs Report: U.S. Adds More Than Expected 256,000 Nonfarm Payroll Jobs
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Ridgewood NJ, The term “gig economy” has become a household phrase, describing a labor market driven by internet-era platforms. From Uber drivers to Airbnb hosts, these workers embody a new kind of economic participation. A 2023 study estimated that in 2021, approximately 4.9 million Americans were engaged in platform-based gig work—a figure that reflects the growing prevalence of this economic model.
Continue reading Understanding the Gig Economy: A Flexible Workforce for a Digital Era
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Trenton NJ, the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors on Oct. 15 elected seven new board members. These accomplished leaders, from a variety of industries and regions across the state, will contribute to the Chamber’s mission of fostering a dynamic and thriving business environment in New Jersey.
Continue reading New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Elects Seven New Board Members
Your safety must be guaranteed in your workplace in California. This means that if you get injured at work due to negligence on your employer’s part, you can contact a California Employment Lawyer to get compensation. Safety in the workplace also means that the employer must provide a space that does not cause injuries or illnesses.
Beside physical injury, employers are also required to provide a nontoxic environment for workers. Treating everyone with respect.
Continue reading Employment Laws In California: What You Should Know
