Trenton , NJ – The United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 152, who represent over 13,000 employees, has joined with the New Jersey Food Council and endorsed S-1608/A-732 and urge all legislators to support and pass the legislation as part of the State Budget Package. By passing this legislation before the budget, the bill will generate about $60 million in state revenue that could go toward senior property tax relief, education programs, or to support effort for the state’s most vulnerable population – all of which have been cut in this year’s proposed budget. The legislation will also create much needed jobs for New Jersey residents who find themselves out of work during this economic recession.

“I, along with the over 13,000 hard working men and women of our Local, are20proud to stand with the New Jersey Food Council in support of S-1608/A-732,” said Dan Konczyk, Vice President and Legislative Political Representative of UFCW Local 152. “Not20only will this legislation bring much needed revenue to the state budget but it will allow New Jersey residents who are out of work the ability to earn a good living by working in a wonderful corporate atmosphere like your local supermarket.”

“The New Jersey Food Council is proud to have the support of UFCW Local 152 in our continued efforts to bring consumer convenience to New Jersey residents throughout the state,” said Linda Doherty, President of the New Jersey Food Council. “It is vital to the supermarket industry that this legislation is passed. It is even more vital for the state of New Jersey to recognize the $60 million in revenue that this legislation would create.”

Konczyk continued, “I believe the current law is restrictive by not allowing supermarkets to compete in the market. I have seen firsthand what good corporate citizens supermarkets can be and this law will allow for the expansion of this great industry.”

S-1608 has passed out of the Senate Economic Growth Committee and is waiting to be posted for a full Senate vote. A-732 is waiting to be heard in the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee.

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"We strongly believe this measure promotes the free flow of commerce, more convenience to the customer, greater enforcement to prevent underage sales and growth in the supermarket industry..."