Monday, October 2, 2023

Dear CCSNJ Members:

As many of you know, Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually from September 15 to October 15, during which the community honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans. To that end, the CCSNJ plans to spotlight Hispanic and Latino business leaders within our membership throughout the month-long celebration with our "Celebrate & Honor: Hispanic Heritage Month" social media campaign. 

If you are a Hispanic/Latino American and CCSNJ member that is interested in being highlighted, please click here to fill out a short survey.

We look forward to celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by sharing these stories with the entire CCSNJ membership to support and recognize the Hispanic and Latino business community in South Jersey.

Resource Center

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced today that it will close applications for Phase 1 of its Child Care Facilities Improvement Program on October 20. Following overwhelming interest in, and demand throughout, Phase 1 of the program the NJEDA plans to open applications for Phase 2 in 2024. This second phase will provide grants to Registered Family Child Care Homes (FCCs) to address facilities improvements.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced the establishment of the Diversity Finance Advisory Board (DFAB) which will work to increase access to institutional capital for women- and minority-owned startups. The board will provide knowledge, guidance, and insights on ways to best increase capital, access, and investments in New Jersey’s diverse entrepreneurs.

DFAB, in collaboration with NJEDA staff, will work to develop and implement a holistic product set that will help make New Jersey a national leader in diversity finance. Board members will also work to develop a private-sector engagement framework to identify and engage the state’s private capital sources. Additionally, Board members will help establish partnerships to support the NJEDA’s mission to grow high-quality jobs, catalyze investment, and foster inclusive community development.

To read more about the DFAB, click here.

Legislative Updates

Governor Murphy Announces Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti As Chief of Staff

On Monday, September 25, Governor Phil Murphy announced New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti will be his next Chief of Staff. Gutierrez-Scaccetti will succeed the Governor’s longtime Chief of Staff George Helmy, who is scheduled to leave the Governor’s office at the end of the month.

To read the press release on the announcement, click here.

Treasury Announces Change in Gas Tax Rate Effective October 1

New Jersey’s gas tax rate increased by 0.9 cents per gallon beginning Sunday, October 1, 2023.

Under a 2016 law (Chapter 56), New Jersey’s State’s Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) program is required to provide approximately $16 billion over eight years to support infrastructure improvements to the state’s roadways and bridges. In order to ensure the State has the funds necessary to support these projects, the law dictates that the Petroleum Products Gross Receipt tax rate must be adjusted accordingly to generate roughly $2 billion per year.

To read the Treasury's press release on the increase, click here.

Minimum Wage will Increase to $15.13 on January 1, 2024

New Jersey’s statewide minimum wage will increase by $1 to $15.13 per hour for most employees on Jan. 1, 2024. Under the law, the minimum hourly wage for seasonal and small employers' employees will increase to $13.73/hour on Jan. 1, up from $12.93.

For more information on the state minimum wage, visit: https://www.nj.gov/labor/wageandhour/support/faqs/wageandhourworkerfaqs.shtml#minimumwage