MCCULLOUGH A.G. SHOULD WAIVE FINES FOR SHORE MALL MERCHANTS

MCCULLOUGH A.G. SHOULD WAIVE FINES FOR SHORE MALL MERCHANTSPoster Violation Notices Smack Of Secret State Tax Plan           Senator James J. McCullough, (R-2), issued the following statement regarding published reports that officials from the Attorney General’s Office are fining local merchants for failing to post public accommodation, employment or family leave posters, or failing to post the posters in the proper location.           “The policy being followed by the Attorney General’s Office is harsh, overly punitive, excessive and unreasonable. Is it any wonder that businesses, especially small businesses, are fleeing New Jersey in droves? As did more than 72,000 New Jersey citizens last year.           “A $1,000 fine seems excessive, particularly for small business persons struggling in a competitive environment and working hard to maintain a profit margin to support their families. It would make more sense and certainly be much fairer to visit the businesses and, -(MORE)-  if the posters are not in place or improperly placed, issue a warning to the owner and give him or her a specific time period in which to correct the problem. To simply walk into a business and issue summonses is bureaucratic overreaction and the Attorney General’s office should treat these businesspersons with more respect.                    “New Jersey is ranked 48th in business competitiveness, 48th in cost of living, 45th in the cost of doing business, 43rd in economic competitiveness and in the bottom 1/3 in regulatory environment. Additionally, economists are warning of an economic decline in this state and the most uncertain economic future since the Great Depression.

          “In order to help improve this situation, I will seek a meeting with the State Attorney General Anne Milgram to ask her to waive the fines being imposed by her employees on area business owners. If I fail to gain relief for my constituents at this meeting then I will be forced to seek a legislative remedy as soon as the Senate reconvenes next month.”