Government Affairs e-Newsletter December 2012 |
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N.J. Legislature Sends Minimum Wage Hike to Gov. Christie's Desk
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Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver
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The New Jersey Assembly on Monday, Dec. 4, approved a bill, A2162, that would raise the minimum wage in the state from $7.25 an hour to $8.50 and tie future automatic increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a cost-of-living indicator.
The Assembly vote follows on a Senate approval vote last week of an identical bill, S3, so the legislation now heads to Gov. Chris Christie. The Governor, a Republican, is widely anticipated to veto the measure.
Both votes were overwhelmingly along party lines, with Democrats favoring the automatic increases and Republicans opposed. Anticipating a Christie veto, the Senate last week also approved a resolution, SCR1, that would sidestep the Governor by putting a question on next year's ballot to add the automatic increases into the state Constitution. Business groups around the state have come out against the minimum wage hike, saying it will further burden businesses already stretched by a weak economy and the effects of Superstorm Sandy in late October.
Click here to read a statement from bill proponent and Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver and other Democratic sponsors of the measure.
Click here to read a statement from the Southern New Jersey Chamber of Commerce opposing the legislation.
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Philadelphia City Council Legislative Information Now Available Online
A new, fully searchable website contains the latest versions of Philadelphia City Council
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Philadelphia City
Council President
Darrell L. Clarke
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bills and resolutions for viewing or download, displays complete legislative history for each bill and resolution, and includes information on meetings of council and its committees (including hearing notices). Click here to access the website. Information on upcoming City Council meetings and public hearings is also available online by clicking here. For information about how Archer & Greiner can assist with government relations in Philadelphia, contact a member of the Government Affairs Group in our Philadelphia office at (215) 963-3300. |
N.J. Environmental Regulators Ease Permit  Requirements in Wake of Superstorm Sandy
In the wake of widespread damage from Superstorm Sandy on Oct. 28 and 29, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is easing some permit requirements for the rebuilding and repair of damaged structures and public infrastructure.
In light of the storm's devastation of the state's coastal and other waterfront areas, the NJDEP will not require a Coastal Area Facilities Review Act (CAFRA) or Waterfront Development Permit to reconstruct structures that legally existed prior to the storm. The rebuilt structure must be within its same footprint that existed prior to the storm, and the structure may not be enlarged.
Click here to read an article by Archer & Greiner Partner Clint B. Allen on rebuilding waterfront structures in the wake of Sandy.
In addition, NJDEP Commissioner Bob Martin signed an Administrative Order waiving permit requirements for repairs or replacement of critical public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, bulkheads and culverts. Cities and towns will have six months to provide needed documentation of storm damage for retroactive DEP approval for public infrastructures projects.
Click here to read an NJDEP news release on the waiver. Click here to read the Administrative Order. Click here for a list of resources for businesses impacted by the storm. For information on how Archer & Greiner can help with storm-related legal issues, contact any of our offices listed below.
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City of Philadelphia Issues Annual Holiday Gift
and Invitation Reminder to City Vendors
The City of Philadelphia's Chief Integrity Officer has issued the annual Holiday Gift and Invitation Reminder to City vendors and prospective vendors, reminding them "to please remember that offering...gifts, gratuities or tokens of appreciation (including invitations to holiday parties) to officials and employees of City departments, where your relationship is based on their City employment, is prohibited."
According to the notice from Chief Integrity Officer Joan Markman, the annual notification is based on Executive Order 03-11, which governs gifts and invitations to officials and employees of the City's executive departments and agencies.
Click here to visit IntegrityWorks, the City's website that provides information about statutes, regulations and personnel that promote honest and ethical government.
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N. J. Economic Development Authority Solicitation for Urban Residential Projects
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is issuing a Competitive Solicitation for up to $100 million of tax credits under the residential component of the Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit ("UTHTC") Program. The Residential Hub Solicitation is designed to support residential projects, and residential projects with mixed use components, in eligible areas within the cities of Camden, East Orange, Elizabeth, Hoboken, Jersey City, Newark, New Brunswick, Paterson, and Trenton.
Submission packages are due Thursday, December 20, 2012. Click here for more information.
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Pa. Governor Corbett Signs Banking Modernization Bills
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett has signed into law a trio of bills that update the
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Pa. Governor Tom Corbett
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Commonwealth's banking laws. * House Bill 2368 (Act 170 of 2012) updates and modernizes the Banking Code of 1965, and simplifies the commercial, mortgage and consumer lending provisions applicable to banks.
* House Bill 2369 (Act 171 of 2012) bolsters the department's operational and enforcement authority contained in the Department of Banking and Securities Code.
* House Bill 2370 (Act 172 of 2012) amends the Loan Interest and Protection Law, repealing requirements for duplicative mortgage loan disclosures.
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Archer & Greiner Government Affairs: Experience, Know-How
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The Archer & Greiner Government Affairs Group includes:
(Click on name for additional information)
Vincent P. Sarubbi, former Camden County Prosecutor & Group Co-Chair
Carlton L. Johnson, former Chief Deputy Philadelphia City Solicitor & Group Co-Chair
Lynne M. Abraham, former longtime Philadelphia District Attorney
Jack Fisher, former longtime Gloucester County Administrator
Jeffrey M. Kolansky, former Senior Supervising Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney
Steven B. Harz, former Mayor, Borough of Closter, N.J.
Robert J. Fogg, former Director of Licensing & Certification, N.J. Department of Health
Richard S. Mroz, former Chief Counsel to New Jersey Gov. Christie Whitman
William P. Isele, former New Jersey Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly
Brian M. Nelson, Board member, New Jersey Economic Development Authority |
Haddonfield, NJ 856.795.2121 | Hackensack, NJ 201.342.6000 | Princeton, NJ 609.580.3700
Flemington, NJ 908.788.9700 | Shrewsbury, NJ 732.741.9993 | Philadelphia, PA 215.963.3300
New York, NY 212.292.4988 | Wilmington, DE 302.777.4350 | Georgetown, DE 302.858.5151
  
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