T H I S W E E K
Biz Around the State
Charity cases
Nearly 240 earmarks could total more After-school program tries to
than $200 million for the Garden State. keep kids’ spirits high amid
Page 2
serious cuts in funding
Trenton and donations. Page 19
NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT
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A L L B U S I N E S S ◆ ALL NEW JERSEY $2.00 MARCH 9, 2009 www.njbiz.com
Green thumbs-up for energy COBRA law
The Division of Consumer Affairs
holds businesses accountable, but
some say mandates are too strict.
The economy could impede increased green energy investment in the state puts bite
on small
Page 8 BY EVELYN LEE The state is estimated to ing projects in renewable energy,
NEW JERSEY’S GREEN energy receive some $17.4 billion from the energy efficiency and alternative
Real Estate
advocates are applauding President $787 billion American fuels, according to the
Barack Obama’s newly signed stim-
ulus plan, which they say will help
clean energy and energy efficiency
Recovery and Reinvest- Inside
ment Act, according to the • A push to create
Washington, D.C.-based green jobs in New million will be provided
Jersey. Page 6
state Board of Public Util-
ities. An additional $121.9 businesses
businesses expand and create jobs. think tank Center for through the Weatheriza- Owners worried about
But some also are concerned that American Progress. About tion Assistance Program
the recession could make it difficult $90 million of federal stimulus to improve energy efficiency in
upfront premium costs
for businesses to grow, even with money will go toward the State low-income housing units —
BY BETH FITZGERALD
the help of stimulus dollars. Energy Program for energy sav- ➤➤ See GREEN on page 4
Russo Development plans summer EMPLOYERS ARE now scrambling to
groundbreaking for Kearny project. implement a history-making health
Page 10 care benefit: the 65 percent federal
subsidy of COBRA, the federal law that
Finance
lets ex-employees remain on the com-
Companies without a built-in business
plan could face long-term problems. pany health plan for up to 18 months
Page 12 after losing their jobs.
The COBRA subsidy took effect
Economic Heartbeat March 1, but detailed regulations
Page 14 aren’t expected from the U.S Depart-
ment of Labor until March 18.
Marketing Tips “So the impact on employers is
Steven J. Dundas
Page 15 mass confusion, and patience is the
Ed Seliga, of Advanced Solar Products, at Montgomery High order of the day,” said Jim O’Connor, a
Opinion School’s solar panel installation. partner in the Manasquan benefits
Our Point of View: New Jersey citizens consulting firm Egan,Amato & O’Con-
would be better s