The state's population was estimated to have fallen by nearly 22,000 between April 1, 2020, and July 1, 2021. More than half of the state's municipalities - 307 - are believed to have seen their populations shrink in those 15 months, while about 248 are thought to have grown. Ten were unchanged. Just seven of the 37 municipalities in Camden County grew in the 15 months since the 2020 Census, with two of them standing out. Cherry Hill is estimated to have gained 950, pushing its population beyond 75,000 residents. Merchantville seems to be holding pretty steady. Our 2020 Census was 3,814 and our 2021 estimate is 3,803 or a change of -0.29%. Read more here.

The South Jersey Institute for Population Health (SJIPH), established by the the Rowan University/Rutgers-Camden Board of Governors (Joint Board) to improve health outcomes in our region, is pleased to announce its inaugural funding initiative for 2021. SJIPH’s Call for Proposals will fund research projects that involve collaborations between Rowan University, Rutgers University-Camden, and community-based organizations in Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem, Atlantic and Cape May Counties. Requests for Proposals.

The New Jersey Division of Taxation recently announced that out-of-state businesses will have to resume withholding income taxes for New Jersey workers who telecommute beginning Oct. 1, as New Jersey ends temporary suspensions and waivers of some corporate business taxes. This means companies that have only been withholding income taxes for telecommuting workers based on their home state's laws will now have to withhold New Jersey income taxes. New Jersey bases its income taxes on where the work is performed. Companies also will have to pay corporate taxes based on the percentage of employees who work in New Jersey and, for out-of-state sellers, sales taxes on sales generated by New Jersey-based employees. All three rules were suspended when companies moved to having workers work from home for public health reasons during the early weeks of the pandemic.

With poll workers needed across the region, Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order on Thursday, October 7th, increasing the pay from $275 to $300 for Election Day poll workers and increasing the hourly rate by a commensurate amount for those who work during the early voting period of October 23rd through Oct. 31st. You can apply to serve as a poll worker in New Jersey if you are 16 years of age, a US citizen and a resident of New Jersey. By staffing a polling location, you will earn $21.44 per hour on in-person early voting days and $300 on Election Day. Earn an additional $30 when you attend required training provided by the County Board of Elections and fulfill your commitment at the polls. To apply to be a poll worker in Camden County or elsewhere in New Jersey, go to PollWorker.NJ.gov. For a list of all polling places in your hometown, go to: https://www.camdencounty.com/service/board-of-elections/

It’s an American holiday that pays tribute to workers in the U.S. and is traditionally observed on the first Monday in September. Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894 and was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century. Labor Day is often celebrated with parties and parades, but that may change due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. NJ.com shares what you need to know regarding what is open and closed on Labor Day 2021.

New Jersey Working Families endorsed Governor Phil Murphy for reelection. During his first term in office, Governor Murphy has championed a progressive agenda, fulfilling key campaign promises from 2017 and laying the foundation for a stronger and fairer New Jersey that works for every New Jersey family. “Thanks to Governor Murphy, New Jersey residents have been able to benefit from expanded paid family leave which has helped millions of New Jersey residents take the time they need without struggling financially. I am looking forward to the Governor’s re-election in order to continue the progress in New Jersey to help our residents not just survive, but thrive,” said Billie Bauer of Merchantville, a New Jersey Working Families Member. Two key accomplishments during Governor Murphy’s first term include establishing a path to $15 an hour minimum wage and enacting earned sick and expanding paid family and medical leave.