The coalition members who sponsored the New Jersey Business Summit in September announced today the formation of a grassroots organization called Opportunity New Jersey whose mission is to increase awareness of the impact that policies and legislative action will have on the state's economy and job growth for New Jersey citizens.

Opportunity New Jersey will use grassroots outreach to inform policymakers and the public about how proposals out of Trenton will impact the state economy. The 501(c)(4) organization will raise the donations from individuals, businesses and organizations.

"We have invited state leaders to meet with the business community and to consider us as an asset in creating economic growth programs," said Tom Bracken, president and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. "Opportunity New Jersey will give us a wider platform to make sure that concerns about job growth are part of the discussion about addressing New Jersey's economic challenges."

"This is about New Jersey's economic future and its impact on all New Jerseyans," said Michele Siekerka, president and CEO of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association. "This coalition affords grassroots groups and individuals the ability at the local level to have a voice in the process."

The coalition's most immediate agenda involves opposing three economically-damaging initiatives that have recently been proposed. They are increasing the minimum wage to $15 per hour; constitutionally requiring quarterly public pension payments; and mandating paid sick leave.

Coalition members say these proposals would have a negative impact on New Jersey's competitiveness and a chilling effect on both job creation and private-sector investment in the state economy.

The coalition's longer-term agenda includes reforming the state's tax structure; funding long term investments in infrastructure beginning with transportation and then more holistically to the state's other infrastructure assets; reducing government regulations and mandates; and maintaining the state's highly trained workforce.

The coalition is comprised of business organizations, trade associations, labor groups, educational institutions, not-for-profits and individual companies throughout the state of New Jersey. The leadership group is the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, the New Jersey Society of CPAs, the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce, the Meadowlands Regional Chamber of Commerce, MIDJersey Chamber of Commerce, and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.

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