Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio, of Hackettstown, was named Legislator of the Year by the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce at its biannual legislative and business awards reception Wednesday at the Manasquan River Golf Club in Brielle.

“I have a unique understanding of the challenges and benefits of running a business in New Jersey not only as a longtime public servant, but also as a small business owner. It has been one of my top legislative priorities since I joined the General Assembly in 2009 to grow the economy by making New Jersey a state where businesses and industries come to succeed,” DiMaio (R-Warren) said. “To be recognized by the chamber for my efforts is an honor because the organization is an invaluable partner and has helped champion many initiatives that make New Jersey a more affordable state to live and work.”

The chamber’s award recognizes legislators whose voting record, bill sponsorships, and initiatives support economic growth and promote a more favorable business climate in the Garden State.
“Assembly Republican Leader DiMaio was selected as a Legislator of the Year because he has been a staunch supporter of repealing the corporate business surtax and reducing property taxes. He supported the reestablishment of the former Red Tape Review Commission to make it easier to do business in New Jersey. The Republican Leader is always open to meeting and discussing legislative issues important to the business community,” said President and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Tom Bracken.

An advocate for lower taxes, permanent tax reform, and less burdensome government regulations, DiMaio sponsors a bill (A1135) eliminating New Jersey’s 2.5% corporate business tax surcharge, which made the state’s 11.5% corporate tax rate on certain businesses the highest in the nation. During state budget negotiations, he proposed legislation (A5253) that would cut property taxes and simultaneously fully fund schools.

“Together with strong voices like the chamber, New Jersey’s business climate can and will improve,” said DiMaio, who is the former Mayor of Hackettstown and a former Warren County Freeholder. “I look forward to continuing our great work to create a vibrant economy, so that every business owner, family and senior can be proud to call New Jersey their forever home.”