TRIBUTE TO LOU URZILLO & NORVELL STEWART
1/14/08 Right to Repair Legislation Reintroduced in New Jersey
Paid Family Leave Is Running Out Of Time
By Scott Goldstein - 12/17/20077/26/07 - RIGHT TO REPAIR UPDATE
ACT NOW TO STOP PAID FAMILY LEAVE
3/12/07- RIGHT TO REPAIR BATTLE MOVES TO THE STATES
10/30/06 - Philly Store Owner Named 2006 Counterman Magazine’s
Counter Professional of the YearASE Blue Seal Excellence Recognition Program
Paid Family Leave Is Running Out Of Time
By Scott Goldstein - 12/17/2007
The proposed legislation that would give 10 weeks of partially paid time off to workers to care for newborns or seriously ill family members will not pass the Legislature unless it is reduced to six weeks and adopts more safeguards to assure that workers can’t abuse the program, legislative leaders said last week.
Meanwhile, Gov. Jon Corzine, a supporter of the bill (S-2249) that would create paid family leave, said he would accept an amendment that cuts the leave to six weeks. And he acknowledged that the bill he once vowed to sign by the end of the year may not be signed before the Jan. 8 end to the Legislature’s “lame duck session”—the two-month period before the winners of November’s election take office. “I’d rather move it in lame duck, but if not, it will move toward the top of the agenda in the next session,” Corzine told reporters following a speech last week to 300 members of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) in Woodbridge. “I’d rather see it moved now, but it’s not a matter of life and death. There has been a lot of debate.”
Both Senate President Richard Codey (D-Essex) and Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts (D-Camden), speaking at the event, expressed concerns that becoming the second state to offer paid family leave, after California, could disrupt business and slow economic development in the state. “It may send the wrong signal to the business community,” Roberts said. “Ten weeks may be too generous.” When asked if he would like to reduce the number of paid weeks to six, he said, “That’s a move in the right direction.” Roberts said he wants to consider adding safeguards so that workers don’t abuse the program and suggested the state needs to further study the effects of the program in California.
“It’s got to go down to six weeks,” said Codey, who also voiced support for an exemption for businesses that employ fewer than 50 people.
Codey said he did not see why the bill has to pass before the end of the session. “Eighty-five percent of the people taking the leave will be pregnant women, and you have to grant them [paid] leave anyway,” he said. The support of Codey and Roberts is critical because they decide which bills are considered by their respective houses.
Under the bill—being strongly opposed by business lobbyists—private sector and government workers who take paid family leave would get two-thirds pay, up to $502 per week. Currently, employers are required to allow 12 weeks of leave, but it is unpaid and companies with fewer than 50 employees are exempt. The cost of the program would not be covered by employers. Instead, workers would fund it by paying about an extra $1 a week into the existing state Temporary Disability Insurance fund through payroll deductions.
Corzine told reporters he believed the bill allows companies with fewer than 50 workers to opt out of paid family leave, but his office later clarified that the governor meant the bill would not require companies with fewer than 50 workers to hold jobs for those who use the leave.
“There is no provision for small businesses to opt out of the bill,” said Philip Kirschner, president of the NJBIA, which aggressively opposes the bill. “There is a reason no state east of California has [paid family leave],” Kirschner said. “You can’t operate a business with an employee that’s out weeks or months at a time.”
Sen. Stephen M. Sweeney (D-Gloucester), sponsor of the bill, has said he is willing to compromise, including reducing the number of weeks from 10 to six. “But let me be clear, an exemption for small businesses is not one of the options,” Sweeney said last week.
In his speech, Corzine spoke on behalf of paid family leave to an audience of business owners who largely oppose the program. “This gets at some of the business confidence issues,” Corzine said. “I would argue that it might very well be a bill of confidence in our work force, having a work force that feels secure.”
Corzine said he was lucky to have his children at his bedside when he was recovering from critical injuries following his April car crash. “For about four weeks, one, two or three of my children were at my bedside almost every day, including a son who came from San Francisco for two weeks. It was very important to my recovery,” Corzine said.
“A lot of people don’t have that chance. They can’t afford it,” the governor added. Paid family leave is supported by a large coalition of organizations, including labor unions, pro-family groups and AARP, formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons.
The state expects the payroll deductions to raise $153 million per year and the program to pay $137 million in benefits. It will cost the state $11 million in administrative expenses, according to fiscal estimates. Nearly one out of every 100 eligible workers in New Jersey—about 35,600 people—would annually use paid family leave, taking an average of nine weeks per leave, according to an analysis by the nonpartisan state Office of Legislative Services. Of the 35,600 people expected to utilize the program, 30,200 of them would be men and women taking the leave to care for newborn or adopted children, while 5,400 workers would use it to care for sick family members, according to the analysis.
“Providing family leave insurance for New Jersey’s working families is the right thing to do and will allow workers to be both productive employees and responsible family members,” said Marilyn Askin, legislative director for the AARP New Jersey.
California offers six weeks of leave at 55 percent of the worker’s pay with a cap of $840 per week. Washington state recently adopted a yet-to-begin program that offers five weeks of leave with pay of no more than $250 per week. New York and Massachusetts are considering paid family leave bills.
Roberts said the bill will pass one day, if not this session. “This will happen,” he said. “At some point, it will be a reality in New Jersey.”
7/26/07 - RIGHT TO REPAIR UPDATE
As you may be aware, the “Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act” (H.R. 2694 was introduced in the House by Representative Edolphus Towns (D-NY) just over a month ago and the fight has already begun to heat up. The bill would require that the car companies share with independent repair shops, the same information and tools necessary to repair vehicles that is provided to their franchised dealers.
Since introduction and due in part to the Legislative Aftermarket Summit meetings, Reps. Robert Brady (D-PA), Corrine Brown, (D-FL), G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), William Lacy Clay (D-MO), Danny Davis (D-IL), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Bob Etheridge (D-NC), Barbara Lee (D-CA), George Miller (D-CA) and James Moran (D-VA) have all signed on as cosponsors.
While this is a good start, we are going to need considerably more legislators supporting the bill in order to spur the House to take action on this legislation.
One important and easy way to build our cosponsor list is for you to contact your legislators (contact info available on our website: www.maaa.us) and request that they sign on as cosponsors of H.R. 2694. Believe it or not, sometimes it just takes a phone call to have them put their name on the list of supporters. Also, if your legislators have already signed on, please call or write to thank them for their support.
AAIA has put together a Right to Repair Legislative Action Kit that can be put in your shops to inform and educate consumers on this issue. Click here for the order form.
ACT NOW TO STOP PAID FAMILY LEAVE
Paid family leave legislation that will affect ALL businesses is scheduled for a vote on Thursday, May 24, in the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee at 9:30 a.m. Unlike existing unpaid family leave laws that apply to companies with 50 or more employees, paid family leave would apply to ALL small businesses throughout New Jersey. There is no small-business exemption in this proposal.
Senate Bill 2249, sponsored by Sens. Sweeney and Buono, would provide 12 weeks of paid family leave for employees and would be funded through an increase in the employee’s share of the Temporary Disability Insurance payroll tax.
NFIB/New Jersey urgently needs your help to defeat this legislation!!!
If you haven’t already done so, please contact Gov. Jon Corzine, Senate President Richard Codey and the members of the Senate Budget Committee. Contact these officials online now.
NFIB/NJ State Director Laurie Ehlbeck is also looking for small-business owners to join her in Trenton on May 24th to testify in opposition to this proposal. A strong small-business voice is needed to make sure our legislators get the message. If this legislation is released from this committee, it will go to the Senate for a full vote and be halfway to the governor’s desk – so we need your help!
3/12/07- RIGHT TO REPAIR BATTLE MOVES TO THE STATES
The list of states that are considering passage of the Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act grew longer last week as new bills were introduced in Florida, Maine and Nevada. Similar to the federal legislation, all of the bills would require that the car companies make available to the aftermarket the same information and tools that they make available to their new car dealer franchises.
The legislation (S.B. 2890) in Florida was introduced by Senator Charlie Justice, D-16; in Maine (L.D. 1210) by Senator Dennis Damon, D-28; and in Nevada (S.B. 1320) by Senator Warren Hardy, R-12. If you live or have facilities in any of these states, please write your legislator urging support for the passage of Right to Repair legislation. For additional information, email Aaron Lowe at aaron.lowe@aftermarket.org
As the battle for passage of the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act by the U.S. Congress is just gearing up this year, the fight already is in full throttle in the states. Three states’ legislatures are currently considering Right to Repair legislation including New Jersey, Oklahoma and just added this week, New York. Other states likely will follow soon.
In New Jersey, the legislation (A. 931), introduced by Assemblyman Reed Gusciora, D-NJ., was passed unanimously by the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee and is awaiting action by the full assembly. The bill was on the schedule for consideration on February 22 nd but was pulled at the last minute due to wavering support from some Democrats. A companion bill, S. 2553, was introduced on February 26 th by Senate Majority Leader Senator Bernard Kenny, D-NJ, and Senator Joseph Kryillos, R-NJ. The bill has been referred to the Senate Commerce Committee.While there is support for the New Jersey Right to Repair legislation by the governor and assembly leadership, the new car dealers and car companies have been turning up the heat lately in an attempt to derail its progress. Members in New Jersey, or those with locations in the state, are urged to contact their state legislators calling for passage of Right to Repair legislation in the state.
In Oklahoma, Right to Repair legislation (H.B. 1584) was introduced by Rep. Lucky Lamons, D-Okla, and was referred to the Rules Committee. The bill has drawn considerable opposition from the dealers and car companies, but is supported by the American Automobile Association (AAA) of Oklahoma, which stated that the car owner should be able to determine where the car is repaired once they drive off of the dealer lot.
Assemblyman Darryl Towns, D-Okla., along with 21 other legislators on February 23 rd introduced the New York state version of Right to Repair legislation. Darryl Towns is the son of Rep. Edolphus Towns, D-NY, who has been a key sponsor of the bill in the US Congress over the past several years. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Transportation.
Companies in New Jersey and Oklahoma may send letters to their state legislators on these bills by visiting www.careauto.org
Philly Store Owner Named 2006 Counterman Magazine’s
Counter Professional of the YearThe long-standing motto of Morris Auto Parts, Inc. is, “Morris Has It” . . . and if they don’t, owner Harris Steinberg will go to any length to find what his customers need.
Because of Steinberg’s proven track record of innovation and dedication to his business and to his surrounding North Philadelphia community, Counterman magazine has named the Morris Auto Parts owner the winner of the 2006 Counterman Professional of the Year presented by WIX Filters.
As one of only a few Blue Seal recognized parts stores, Morris Auto Parts, founded in 1922, has become many technicians’ first source for quality parts and service.
“Only the best is what Harris expects of others and himself when dealing with customers,” said Robert Wesolowski, president of E & S Auto Parts. “He treats them the way he wants to be treated.”
Steinberg’s passion for the automotive industry began in 1972 when he was just a boy helping his father run the business. He recalls standing on boxes to reach catalog racks and answering phones by climbing up on the counter.
According to his mother, Mary Ellen, “No job was ever beneath him. There was never a time in his life when he wasn’t involved in the business.”
While in college obtaining a bachelor’s degree in business administration and finance, Steinberg adjusted his school schedule so he could continue to work at Morris Auto Parts. His father’s sudden death could have proved disastrous for the business, but Steinberg kept it running. By the time he came to own the business in 1992, he was well prepared, but his education didn’t stop there. His wife, Sheila, describes him as a “student of the business, always looking to improve.”
Steinberg serves as vice president of the MidAtlantic Automotive Aftermarket Association and is a founding member and vice president of POJA, a regional group of independently owned auto parts warehouses in New Jersey, Delaware, New York and Pennsylvania. Several POJA members, like Morris Auto Parts, are also ASE Blue Seal recognized businesses. POJA, whose creed is “ Independence for Independents” is affiliated with the APA/Professionals Choice program group.
A host of seminars and training courses also fills the pages of Steinberg’s extensive resume. “Continuous training is not only technical, but in management, acquisition, sales, operations and all facets of the business, as well as personal growth give us a competitive advantage,” said Steinberg. Morris Auto Parts’ long-standing success can certainly be attributed to this eagerness to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest trends.
In between running the warehouse and continuing to tweak his automotive and managerial skills, Steinberg finds time to be a father, husband and community leader. He volunteers as a Cub Scout Leader, makes donations to local food banks and shelters and is an active member of his religious community. Steinberg also helped coordinate raising funds for Hurricane Katrina victims through the American Red Cross.
In the words of Nixon Jung, owner of Fast 8 Auto Service, “You can always count on Harris.
CONGRATULATIONS HARRIS!
ASE offers a Blue Seal of Excellence Recognition Program with gives companies the opportunity to showcase their technicians and their commitment to excellence. MidAtlantic Automotive Aftermarket Association is proud to honor and recognize four of our members who have attained the Blue Seal of Excellence. CONGRATULATIONS!
TRIBUTE TO LOU URZILLO & NORVELL STEWART
MidAtlantic Automotive Aftermarket has recently lost two of their long-standing members. Both men have contributed to the success of our association.
Lou Urzillo passed away on November 4, 2007. He spent his adult life serving the automotive aftermarket. Until his retirement, he owned and operated B Automotive in Haverford, PA. He has served on the Board of PAWA (now MAAA) for many years becoming president in 2002/2003. Lou was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend of MAWA (formerly PAWA). . a real gentleman with a loyal, cooperative spirit.
Norvell Stewart passed away on December 14, 2007. He was owner/operator of Stewart's Speedometer and Auto Parts Service in Youngwood, PA. It has been a "family affair" with Norvell as he brought both of his sons into the business with him. Norvell was a member of PAWA from back when it first was conceived. He gave of his time and expertise to the association serving on the board for many years and as president in 1996/1997 and again in 2001/2002. He, too, was a fine husband, father, grandfather and friend of MAAA (formerly PAWA).
Both of these fine gentlemen will be greatly missed by their friends at MAAA.
1/14/08 . . .Right to Repair legislation (A-803) has been reintroduced in the New Jersey Assembly by Assemblyman Reed Gusciora, (D). Similar to federal Right to Repair legislation, the state's version would require car companies to make the same information and tools available to independent repair shops that are provided to new car dealers, thus ensuring competition in the vehicle repair industry. The bill has 11 co-sponsors including the Speaker of the Assembly, Assemblyman Joseph Roberts, D-N.J.
During the 2006-2007 General Assembly Session, Right to Repair legislation (A-931) was passed unanimously by the New Jersey Assembly's Consumer Affairs Committee, but became stalled due to strong opposition from the state's new car dealers. Similar Right to Repair bills are still under consideration by legislatures in the states of New York and Massachusetts.
206 Haddon Avenue
Westmont, NJ 08108
