TRENTON — In a state notorious for the worst business environment in the nation, job-creators can use all the help they can get. The Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee acknowledged the importance of business, passing a Republican resolution (SJR72/AJR139) establishing New Jersey Economic Development Day.

The measure, sponsored by Assemblymen Edward Thomson and Sean Kean, and Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce designates the second Monday of May for the annual pro-business observance.

“It’s time for Trenton to stop taxing business into submission,” said Thomson (R-Monmouth). “This resolution is a reminder that by investing in business owners, we can grow small companies and stimulate job creation. By linking government development programs with private-sector stimulus efforts, the state can craft new efficiencies within existing tax revenue.”

Kean said New Jersey can support business by better utilizing its many competitive advantages.

“The business environment in this state is brutal,” said Kean (R-Monmouth). “A variety of incentives, workforce development and economic programs are available to help employers, but we are calling on state and local governments to do more to evaluate these programs to maximize benefits and eliminate waste.”

“Economic Development Day will shine a spotlight on the state’s pro-business efforts,” said DeCroce (R-Morris). “We can increase our return on investment by combining and leveraging economic development funding. Coordinated efforts will provide jobs, increase revenue and improve New Jersey’s fiscal health.”

The resolution passed the Senate unanimously in September.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Freeholder and Republican candidate for Surrogate, Heather Darling, addressed an audience of Morris County College students and faculty about issues facing women in politics. As one of only four women currently holding countywide office, Heather Darling hopes to serve as a role model to young women considering a run for public office.

In her remarks, as part of the panel, Darling discussed the barriers to entry women often face when seeking office, how she is optimistic that those barriers are being overcome, and that female politicians are becoming more mainstream and accepted.

“Today, the number of women in politics is growing exponentially and it has come into favor with the voting public. As a Freeholder, and potentially the first female Surrogate in Morris County, I hope to inspire a new generation of female candidates.”

MORRIS COUNTY — Christine Clarke, environmental advocate, grassroots organizer, volunteer and homeschooling mother-of-four, formally declared her candidacy for State Assembly in the 26th Legislative District race.  She is running to address climate change, tax relief and public health with a focus on renewable energy jobs.

Clarke is the chairwoman of the Jefferson Township Democratic Committee, a steering committee member of the Jersey Renews coalition and the NJ March for Science, the former Environmental Director at Action Together New Jersey and was an early organizer with NJ 11th For Change.

“Christine has been a relentless advocate for the environmental health of New Jersey. She understands the risks our state faces if we do not rise to meet the challenge that climate change presents, and she understands the opportunities for a healthier, cleaner, and more productive New Jersey if we choose to invest now in a sustainable future,” said Matt Buckley, Founder, NJ March For Science.

Clarke started the ATNJ Environment team and created Action Together’s #ClimateVoter video series, hosting Facebook Live broadcasts with members of Congress to talk about climate change and environmental policy.  Clarke has spent the last few years organizing free public educational forums and events bringing people together around renewable energy and conservation, running grassroots calls to action, and attending conferences and public hearings to defend our rights to clean air, clean water and sensible environmental regulations.

“As Mayor of the largest municipality in Legislative District 26, I am proudly supporting Christine Clarke for State Assembly in 2019.  Christine’s enthusiasm for green, economically sound policies will be a great contribution to our Democratic Majority Caucus,” said Parsippany Mayor Michael Soriano.  “I look forward to a committed partnership between Christine and my administration to deliver results for the taxpayers of Parsippany.”

Clarke has focused on accelerating the transition to renewable energy not only as a means of addressing climate change and reducing the state’s emissions, but as a way to protect public health while creating thousands of well-paying jobs and generating revenue to relieve New Jersey taxpayers like her family from unsustainable tax increases.

Clarke has already received the endorsements of Morris County Democratic Committee Chairman Chip Robinson and Essex County Democratic Committee Chairman Leroy Jones.

“Christine has what it takes to make a great assemblywoman.  A fierce advocate for women’s rights, health care rights, immigrants’ rights and addressing the climate crisis, Christine is what is need in the legislature at this moment in time,” said Robinson.

“I’m thrilled that Christine Clarke will be running for Assembly this year,” said Jones.  “She truly understands the impact that policy makes on people’s lives and has long been a tireless advocate for change. She has a genuine grasp of the issues we are facing and will bring her progressive pragmatism to the state assembly.”