ASSOCIATED CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTORS of NEW JERSEY Supports EDA Tax Incentives, Helped Craft Provisions to Protect Contractors and Craftworkers

EDISON, NJ – When the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s tax incentive programs expired in 2019, the Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey (ACCNJ) and our labor partners in the New Jersey Building Trades immediately began advocating for government action, stressing the importance of a new economic development package for building construction. We are pleased to announce the new bill, which passed in the Legislature today and is expected to be signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy, incorporates language that strengthens the contractor and craftworker requirements for a business seeking a tax incentive for facility construction.

“Because of the Leadership of Governor Murphy, Senate President Sweeney and Speaker Craig Coughlin” affirmed ACCNJ CEO Jack Kocsis Jr., “the Association and our labor partners were able to ensure prevailing wage applies to all work tied to EDA financial assistance. Thus, we have protected the skilled craftworkers in New Jersey, guaranteeing a strong, middle-class wage structure for those performing work for the citizens of the state.

“In addition,” Kocsis continued, “As the citizens and the State’s businesses in New Jersey struggle through a pandemic that has devastated aspects of the state’s economy, ACCNJ and our labor partners are confident the “New Jersey Recovery Act of 2020” will result in economic development with investments in mixed-use, institutional, rehabilitation, expansion and historic restoration projects. These investments will create sustaining work that will advance the state’s recovery by providing opportunities for craftworkers and contractors.”

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About ACCNJ
ACCNJ represents general building contractors, construction managers, and heavy, highway, site development and utility contractors in New Jersey that employ tens of thousands of skilled union craftworkers each year. Members are responsible for billions of dollars in commercial, industrial, heavy, highway, utility and institutional construction projects annually. The Association is committed to raising the standards of construction in New Jersey through quality, integrity, skill and responsibility.