On Sunday, November 22, 2020 Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 200 to again extend the Public Health Emergency another 30 days. “Despite the hope that is on the horizon, the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over,” said Governor Murphy.

“New Jersey’s wage laws exist to protect workers’ rights,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “Our investigators are committed to ensuring compliance with these laws, weeding out bad actors, leveling the playing field for businesses that play by the rules and getting our workers the wages they are entitled to. We look forward to delivering this money to the workers who earned it.” NJDOL Press Release

In a late October update, the CDC reported that there is evidence that droplets can be transmitted farther than 6 feet in certain indoor conditions. They further explained that the 15 minute threshold is a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24 hour period. CDC Definitions & Guidelines

In November 2017 New Jersey voters approved of the Library Construction Bond Act (LCBA) which authorized $125 million in general obligation bonds to finance capital projects for the construction, expansion and equipping of New Jersey’s public libraries. In early November of this year, the Legislature reviewed a list of proposed projects. All applicants had to identify a 50% match to fund their projects. Governor Murphy signed legislation on November 20, 2020 and authorized $87.5 million for the first round of funding for projects that will provide crucial improvements, upgrades, and new technology. Ten new library buildings are also included in this first round of funding. Projects to Receive Funding

Early in October, grant applications were made available for $500 million in bonds from the Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act, previously approved by New Jersey voters in November, 2018. In addition to $75 million for School Security, $100 million for Water Infrastructure (applications were due by November 20, 2020), and $50 million for CTE Programs in County Colleges, the Securing our Future Bond Act includes $275 million for CTE Programs in County Vocational-Technical School Districts to support the expansion of their CTE programs including building, expanding, and renovating facilities (applications are due March 2021). Murphy Administration Announcement Details

Released earlier this month, the 2021 outlook predicts a slow and uneven recovery throughout the year. Dodge Data & Analytics Chief Economist, Richard Branch, said “While the recovery is underway, the road to full recovery will be long and fraught with potential potholes. After losing an estimated 14% in 2020 to $738 billion, total construction starts will regain just 4% in 2021.” Click Here for the entire report and the pattern of construction starts for specific segments.

As decline in billings continue to slow in October, architecture firms report an increase in contracts signed for new work:

Reports of rising prices of construction materials in many parts of the country are impacting many firms’ material selection choices; some are putting projects on hold or dropping them entirely and some are redesigning to accommodate higher costs.  ABI for October 2020 

The Annual ICE Meeting was held virtually this year on November 17-18, 2020. We heard from Robin Donovick about BAC IHF Health Care Benefits and the Plan rules designed with BAC Craftworkers in mind, and David Stupar on IPF Retirement Benefits. CPWR's Chris Trahan Cain talked about improving conditions for construction workers and jobsites, and Littler's Brad Hammock about silica enforcement and COVID-19. There was a review of Wages, Workers & Winning Scoreboards comparisons from CLRC's Carey Peters, and a Legislative Outlook from Center Hill Solutions' Colin Keohen. Attendees also learned more about programs and initiatives from Caryn Halifax, CEO/President, IMI/IMTEF and Tim Driscoll, President, IUBAC.

No ICE Annual Meeting would be complete without an "After Hours Social Gathering". This year was no exception! Our Host, Comedian/Impressionist Steve VanZandt, entertained the group while attendees also had a chance to tell their best (or worst) jokes, to be judged by the Host. Jim O'Connor, Executive Director of the Mason Contractors Association of Greater Chicago, was crowned the winner and awarded a $200 Amazon Gift Card. Masonry Contractors of New Jersey's Executive Director, Carol Ciesielski, came in a close second but Jim's infamous Irish accent won over our Host.