Chris Christie on Jobs

Supports Urban Hub program and Economic Redevelopment Grants

S-2972 expands the ERGG program to make growth areas in the Meadowlands eligible for ERGG grants, adding the Meadowlands to the other areas of the state where growth is encouraged and eligibility for ERGG grants is already provided, including State Planning Areas, Pinelands growth areas, transit villages and closed federal military bases.

In addition, the legislation also makes several changes to the Urban Hub program: increasing the credit for residential projects from 20% to 35% of eligible costs over 10 years; and allowing the tax credits to be carried forward for up to 20 years.

Garden State Growth Zones to attract new private investment

• Garden State Growth Zones. Combine existing economic zones to create a super zone to attract new private investment and jobs.
• Putting NJ Back to Work. Focus on worker retraining for unemployed New Jerseyans and connecting with them with businesses.
• Provide grants for public colleges for renewable energy related curriculum and training.
• Renew NJ and the Choose NJ Energy Campaign. Market and sell NJ's resources to energy producers, innovators and developers.

NJ Partnership for Action: attract quality-paying jobs

Highlights from the Plan to Get New Jersey Working Again:
• Cut taxes and the cost of doing business in New Jersey
• Make New Jersey's health care more affordable for small businesses
• Promote New Jersey as a good place to do business
• Create the "New Jersey Partnership for Action"
• Cut excessive red tape and regulation
• Increase efficiency in public sector investment

Ok with either unionized state workers or civil service

Christie responded, "And, you know what it is to hire illegal immigrants."

Lonegan said the state would be better off without a unionized workforce.

Christie said he wanted either unionized state workers or employees working under a civil service system, but not both, which sometimes have differing rules.