Brad Close President | NFIB New Jersey
Brad Close President | NFIB New Jersey
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), a prominent small business advocacy group, has expressed its views on Governor Phil Murphy’s 2025 State of the State Address. Eileen Kean, NFIB New Jersey State Director, provided a statement in response to the governor's address.
"NFIB appreciates the Governor recognizing the inequities historically experienced by minority and women-owned business owners and removing bureaucratic red tape that prohibits fair contracting opportunities," said Kean. However, she noted that "the Governor’s ambitious and expensive agenda falls on the shoulders of Main Street small businesses."
Kean acknowledged Governor Murphy's acknowledgment of challenges faced by small businesses in New Jersey during his final State of the State address. She quoted him as having a goal to make it easier for these businesses to "keep their doors open — and pass on a proud family legacy to their children." Kean stated that NFIB and its members support this objective.
Despite this support, Kean criticized the lack of specific actions or plans from the governor to achieve these goals. She highlighted ongoing issues such as regulatory burdens, high income and property taxes, rising energy costs, and an affordability crisis affecting small businesses' growth and survival.
"Rising energy costs for residences, commercial buildings, and transportation continue to fuel record inflation," she remarked. Kean warned that enshrining emission reduction targets into law could limit future flexibility needed for affordable energy access for businesses.
Kean urged Governor Murphy to address these challenges during his remaining year in office. She emphasized NFIB's willingness to collaborate with his administration and legislative allies in 2025 for tax relief, regulatory reform, and practical state energy policies.
NFIB has been advocating for small businesses across America since its founding in 1943. The organization remains dedicated to supporting independent business owners nationwide.
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