New Jersey Food Council
30 West Lafayette St., Trenton, NJ 08608
Phone: 609/392-8899
Fax: 609/396-6571
Email: mailto:njfc@njfoodcouncil.com

ACTION IN TRENTON
With the Lame Duck session of the NJ Legislature in full swing, there is a flurry of activity. Lawmakers in Trenton this week considered several proposals that are pertinent to NJFC members. On Monday, the Senate Economic Growth Committee heard testimony to reform NJ liquor licensing laws. This is an issue NJFC members have been working on for several years. The packaged goods lobby has a stranglehold on this outdated public policy but a coalition of members had success and finally got the debate into the legislative and public forum. While the Hearing was for discussion only and no vote was taken, the media attention was incredible. Stories and editorials in the Star Ledger, coverage of the hearings on several New Jersey television stations and the hot topic of the day on many regional radio stations have helped build momentum and make this issue ripe for future consideration. Since the hourglass is quickly losing sand and time is running out on Lame Duck, the proposal is not expected to see action the remainder of this session but several legislative leaders want to continue the debate next session.

The State Recycling Enhancement Act took another step closer to passage yesterday when the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee passed legislation sponsored by Assemblymen McKeon and Gusciora.

The bill would impose a recycling tax on solid waste generation in order to provide financial incentives to support county and municipal recycling. The revenue generated $3 per ton tax on trash would be deposited in the New Jersey State Recycling Fund, which is administered by the DEP, to fund recycling grants to municipalities and counties.

NJFC remains neutral on this issue since language in the bill protects the industry from the implementation of a bottle or container bill if this legislation were to be enacted. Several environmental groups tried to pry this language from the bill yesterday but it remained intact.

Now, the fate of the bill is up to the Assembly Speaker, who decides if and when to post it for a floor vote. On Monday, a companion bill is expected to be considered in the Senate Appropriations Committee. There is a strong movement to get this proposal to the Governor’s Desk by the end of the session.

Paid Family Leave has yet to be placed on the legislative schedule in Trenton but the heat is on by many labor and liberal groups to get this bill to the Governor’s Desk by his birthday January 1. A planned meeting next Thursday in the Governor’s Office between the bill’s sponsors and leadership will determine further action on Paid Family Leave. NJFC members are encouraged to contact their legislators and continue to voice opposition to this detrimental business proposal.

DAIRY HEARINGS CONVENE
Last week, NJ Department of Agriculture held three hearings on the Emergency Order that implemented a temporary Fuel Add-on Surcharge for dairy processors. Also addressed were dairy labeling issues and rBST free premiums. Due to technical hearing procedures that were challenged by industry, the Department will take additional testimony on January 4, 2008 and make a ruling later that month.

NJ LABOR DEPARTMENT UPDATES IMMIGRATION STATUS LANGUAGE
The state Labor Department has changed its notification for immigration status in the Payment of Wages Notice. The language now reads Please Note: The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development does not investigate or inquire into the legal status of any worker. The Department applies New Jersey’s labor law without regard to a worker’s legal status. The Department’s Division of Wage and Hour Compliance does not share information with “Immigration”.

This is a substantive change and a revised Payment of Wages poster is required. To obtain a revised poster please contact: Office of Constituent Relations at (609) 777-3200 or visit the website: http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/employer/content/employerpacketforms.html

27 SPONSORS – ARE YOU A PREMIUM SUPPORTER!
The NJFC Event Sponsorship program for 2008 is growing fast! The association continues to accept commitments so be sure you are on this list. Sponsors are considered premium supporters of the Food Council.

The program will continue to include four levels of sponsorship that will entitle companies to a pre-determined number of tickets to NJFC events, including the Annual Meeting, Night of Distinction, Trade Relations Conference and the Golf Outing. In addition, event sponsors will receive recognition in NJFC publications such as the News & Views and the quarterly newsletter ExpressLine, on our web-site as well as acknowledgement in promotional materials and placement on banners at NJFC events.

We just kicked off the 2008 sponsor campaign and already NJFC members are demonstrating their strong support for this program. Let’s add your company’s name to the list of NJFC premium sponsors! Contact us today for details.

Photos Galore

Don't forget to check out our library page to view photographs from our events.