US Chamber sues Trump administration over $100,000 H-1B visa fee
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is suing the Trump administration for imposing a $100,00 annual fee for new H-1B visa applications, claiming the fee is unlawful and would harm U.S. businesses. In a federal lawsuit filed Thursday in D.C., the Chamber asks the court to declare President Trump exceeded the executive branch’s authority by imposing the fee. H-1B visas are meant for high-skilled jobs that tech companies find hard to fill. Big tech firms are the biggest user of the visa, and nearly three-quarters of those approved are from India. But there are critical workers, like teachers and doctors, who fall outside that category. The Trump administration announced the fee last month, arguing employers were replacing U.S. workers with cheaper talent from overseas. (The Associated Press)
Report: Gov. Murphy to make economic mission to Mexico next month
Gov. Phil Murphy will make a long-awaited economic mission trip to Mexico, Nov. 5-9, Choose New Jersey will announce later Friday. The trip, to be organized and sponsored by Choose New Jersey, will be done in collaboration with the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey. Based primarily in Mexico City, the trip will focus on deepening economic, educational, and cultural partnerships between New Jersey and Mexico, already one of the United States’ largest trading partners. (BINJE)
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US courts set to run out of money, begin furloughs as shutdown lingers
The U.S. federal court system starting on Monday will begin curtailing non-essential functions and furloughing some employees after exhausting what funds it had left to sustain paid operations during the U.S. government shutdown. The announcement, in a Thursday internal memo reviewed by Reuters, means the federal judiciary will for the first time in nearly three decades be forced to send some of its over 33,000 employees home and require others to work without a paycheck after Congress failed to pass legislation keeping the courts and the rest of the government funded. (Reuters)
Remembering Ray Zardetto, a terrific human
May we all be so fortunate that on our inevitable passing, people don’t talk about the terrific companies and organizations we worked at (and there were plenty), the successes we had there (and there were plenty) or the co-workers we inspired (and there were plenty). Instead, they talk about how great a human we were. May we all be so lucky as Ray Zardetto. But for someone who avoided the spotlight, he couldn’t escape it this past week after his sudden passing. Friends will gather tonight in Flemington to share stories – and share a laugh. It’s what so many have been doing this past week. (BINJE)
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CVS acquires Rite Aid prescription files from 42 NJ pharmacies
CVS Pharmacy completed its acquisition of customer prescription files from hundreds of closed Rite Aid stores nationwide, including 42 locations in New Jersey. CVS said it now serves more than 9 million patients who formerly had their prescriptions filled at either Rite Aid or Bartell Drugs. Most of those prescription transfers occurred between June and August, according to a spokesperson. (NJBIZ)
NJ Chamber of Commerce Business Roundtable Series
Join us Oct. 21 for a discussion on the the state of transportation
Panelists from the private sector and state government will share updates on approved and proposed projects, as well as funding. The conversation will address challenges and opportunities that businesses face as they navigate the future of moving people and goods. Join us Oct, 21 at 8 a.m. in East Windsor. (N.J. Chamber of Commerce)
NJ Chamber of Commerce Legislator & Business Awards
Join us Oct. 22 as NJ Chamber honors 8 legislators, business leaders
The N.J. Chamber will recognize eight champions of business at its Legislative & Business Awards Reception on Oct. 22, from 5 to 8 p.m., at EisnerAmper headquarters in Iselin. Five legislators will receive the Chamber’s Legislator of the Year awards, while three business and community leaders will be honored for their commitment to supporting N.J.’s business community The evening will include ample networking with the honorees and guests. More info here. (N.J. Chamber of Commerce)
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