the staff of the Ridgewood blog
SOMERSET, NJ — The New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) has officially released its 2025 Blueprint for a Competitive New Jersey, a 28-page, forward-thinking policy guide designed to help lawmakers, gubernatorial candidates, and local leaders create a more business-friendly, innovation-driven economy in the Garden State.
The comprehensive policy document, presented during NJBIA’s “Meet the Gubernatorial Candidates” event, was given to Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherrill by NJBIA President & CEO Michele Siekerka. The event drew nearly 400 attendees and marks a pivotal moment as New Jersey prepares for the Nov. 4 General Election, where all 80 Assembly seats are up for grabs.
🧭 What Is the NJBIA 2025 Blueprint?
The 2025 Blueprint offers more than 65 policy solutions aimed at tackling New Jersey’s economic challenges and fostering a competitive climate for business. The recommendations span a broad range of topics including:
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Tax and budget reform
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Workforce development and education
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Energy and environmental policy
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Healthcare and life sciences
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Transportation and infrastructure
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Legal, regulatory, and consumer affairs
“Putting business at the center will create a competitive climate that allows entrepreneurs and job creators to invent, innovate, and be a catalyst for progress,” said Michele Siekerka, President & CEO of NJBIA.
🏗️ Key Policy Highlights
🏛️ Create a Department of Commerce & Innovation
To centralize and streamline business development efforts, the Blueprint proposes a cabinet-level Department of Commerce & Innovation, restoring what was lost when the previous Department of Commerce was abolished in 1998.
⚖️ Regulatory Reform
NJBIA stresses the need to eliminate duplicative and costly regulations, allowing businesses to operate more efficiently while maintaining public safety.
💸 Tax Reform
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Lower the 11.5% Corporation Business Tax in phases
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Index state income tax brackets to inflation
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Allow charitable tax deductions, aligning with federal practices
👷♂️ Labor & Employment
Reduce overregulation in labor laws and consolidate reporting requirements to ease the burden on job creators.
🎓 Education & Workforce
Boost partnerships between K-12, postsecondary institutions, and employers to strengthen the pipeline of skilled workers.
💼 Budget & Cost Controls
NJBIA calls for more transparency in state spending, especially during budget season, and highlights reforms in public employee healthcare and shared services.
🧾 Legal, Insurance & Consumer Affairs
Streamline permit processes, reduce legal burdens, and restore confidence in New Jersey’s regulatory framework.
⚡ Energy Policy
Promote balanced energy solutions, including solar, wind, nuclear, and gas, while rejecting unrealistic EV mandates that limit consumer choice.
🌱 Environmental Policy
Support practical environmental reforms, including modernized recycling programs and more efficient permitting.
🧬 Healthcare & Life Sciences
Support R&D incentives, address healthcare affordability, and foster industry-education partnerships to fill worker shortages in the healthcare sector.
🏭 Manufacturing & Innovation
Provide permanent funding for the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP) and expand STEM and technical education.
🚆 Transportation & Infrastructure
Ensure that Corporation Transit Fee revenues go toward NJ TRANSIT as intended, expand mass transit in South Jersey, and invest in broadband and IT infrastructure.
📘 Download the Full Report
Access NJBIA’s “2025 Blueprint for a Competitive New Jersey” online here and learn more about how state leaders can advance meaningful reforms to boost New Jersey’s economy.
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