SENATE NATURAL RESOURCES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

[First Reprint]

ASSEMBLY, No. 464

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: MARCH 14, 1996

      The Senate Natural Resources and Economic Development Committee favorably reports Assembly Bill No. 464 (1R).

       This bill establishes a toll-free telephone information line within the Division of Development for Small Businesses and Women's and Minority Businesses in the Department of Commerce and Economic Development to provide the public with information regarding entrepreneurial or business assistance programs available to small businesses from various public agencies and private businesses.

      To fund the services provided under the bill, the bill directs the division to use available State or federal resources and solicit private contributions. The bill also permits the division to assess a fee on any private business that wishes to have information regarding the division's small business assistance programs available through the toll-free information line.