January 9, 2012 SENATE BILL NO. 676 To the Senate: Pursuant to Article V, Section I, Paragraph 14 of the New Jersey Constitution, I am returning Senate Bill No. 676 with my recommendations for reconsideration. This bill would increase the amount of workers' compensation paid for certain hand and foot injuries. Specifically, the legislation provides that for certain hand injuries, the award of workers’ compensation shall be calculated based on a maximum of 300 weeks of compensation, as opposed to the current 245 weeks. In addition, the legislation provides that for certain foot injuries, the award of workers’ compensation shall be calculated based on a maximum of 275 weeks of compensation, as opposed to the current 230 weeks. Since assuming the Office of the Governor in 2010, one of my principal objectives has been to improve the business climate in our State. For too long, New Jersey businesses have suffered under the weight of a heavy tax burden and a punitive regulatory scheme that only stifles economic growth. Under my Administration, the business climate in New Jersey has begun to improve, however there is still much work to be done. Unfortunately, while well-intended, this legislation is counter- productive to the strides that we have made so far and will only serve to increase the cost of doing business in New Jersey. Specifically, this bill will have an adverse impact upon the business climate in our State by increasing workers’ compensation costs for employers. The Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau estimates the bill’s mandated increases for
