Issue Position: Economy and Jobs

Issue Position

Barbara has a proven record of strengthening our economy
Throughout her career, Barbara has advocated for policies that expand economic opportunity and create good-paying jobs for New Jerseyans.

* Passed one of the largest small business tax cuts in state history. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, accounting for 95% of all businesses in New Jersey. During her time in the Senate, Barbara championed bipartisan legislation to simplify the tax code for small business owners, enabling them to expand and hire more workers.

* As Budget Chair, cut $4.5 billion in state spending. As Chair of the Senate Budget Committee from 2008 to 2010, Barbara helped bring fiscal stability to Trenton by cutting spending by $4.5 billion while increasing funds for schools and healthcare.

* Sponsored bill to foster innovation and create jobs. Barbara sponsored legislation to connect our universities with new businesses in emerging markets, enabling specialized businesses to turn academic research into commercial reality.

A vision for a stronger New Jersey

Barbara is committed to creating the same opportunities she had as a child growing up in Nutley--the chance to get an affordable education and a good job and to go as far as your talents take you. As governor, she will restore New Jersey's place as a national leader in innovation, creating good-paying jobs that can support our families. Highlights of Barbara's plan for better jobs and economic security for the middle class include:

* Investing in New Jersey workers. Our business owners know there are three keys to a head start in any industry--location, location, location. Businesses locate where they can find a skilled workforce. From county colleges to four-year universities, New Jersey must recommit itself to training and retraining a workforce prepared to thrive in the global economy.

* Expanding relief for small businesses in emerging markets. New Jersey is home to a diverse network of small businesses, entrepreneurs, and emerging industries, which fuel job creation and enrich our local communities. Targeting support to these businesses will allow them to grow and create jobs here in New Jersey.

* Ensuring hard work is rewarded with a decent wage. For a working parent making $7.25 an hour, life isn't about living. It's about surviving. Raising the minimum wage will help New Jerseyans make ends meet, giving them the freedom to succeed in the 21st century economy.

* Asking wealthiest to pay their fair share. Putting New Jersey's fiscal house in order must be a collective effort. As governor, Barbara will ensure that the wealthiest contribute their fair share as we put our state on a path to sustainable economic prosperity.

* Restoring tax relief for working families. With rising costs of living and stagnant wages, our working families need economic relief now more than ever. As governor, Barbara will restore New Jersey's Earned Income Tax Credit and protect property tax relief for the families who need it most.

* Creating transportation that can get goods and workers where they need to go. An efficient transportation system is a key ingredient of creating a business-friendly environment. In order to get our economy back on track, we must repair New Jersey's crumbling roads, tunnels and bridges.

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