Assembly Deputy Speaker Gary S. Schaer will be honored with a Legislator of the Year Award on Wednesday by the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce for his work as chair of the Assembly Budget Committee and his efforts to stimulate business and job growth in NewJersey.

“I am humbled and honored by this recognition that the State Chamber has chosen to bestow on me,” said Schaer (D-Bergen/Passaic). “As chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, I have worked to ensure the interests of our residents throughout the state are met while meeting our fiscal obligations. I will continue to work with my colleagues and organizations like the State Chamber to make New Jersey more business-friendly, while invigorating the businesses that already call New Jersey home and attract new ones so that we can continue to grow our economy, create employment opportunities and lessen the burden on taxpayers.”
“As Chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee, Assemblyman Schaer engages the expertise and insight of the State Chamber on issues impacting the business community and the state’s overall economy,” said Michael Egenton, senior vice president for governmental relations with the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. “The State Chamber has a great working relationship with the Assemblyman. He is an active participant on our Walk to Washington, he has headlined our Breakfast Roundtable sessions and he has invited us to participate in discussions with local business leaders in Passaic.”

Schaer will receive the award at The 2015 NJ Chamber Legislative and Business Awards Reception on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at the New Jersey Center of Excellence at Bridgewater.
Schaer, who works in the financial services industry as an investment consultant, recognizes the value of a strong business climate and has advocated for incentives for businesses willing to locate and expand within the state. Schaer authored the “Main Street Business Assistance Program”, which provides $50 million in government-backed low interest loans to businesses that want to expand, and supported a $3,000 tax credit for businesses that create and maintain new jobs for one year.

Schaer has championed the replenishment of the Transportation Trust Fund, has an “open door” policy and regularly discusses major pieces of legislation with the state chamber’s government relations team. Schaer organized an opportunity for the chamber to meet and discuss issues with business members from the Passaic region, and has been a consistent participant on the Walk To Washington train trip and has been a guest at the chamber’s roundtable breakfast sessions at Forsgate.

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