January 29, 2026
Welcome to the eleventh issue of our newsletter.
It’s the start of a new year and the start of new beginnings. Let’s take on new challenges and try new things! As always, if you have a project that you would like to feature in the next issue or know someone that would be interested in receiving our monthly newsletter, let us know. Hope you’re staying warm during these snowy winter months.
Thanks for reading,
Ravenna Gemignani
Editor in Chief
Media Consultant
Project Spotlight
A couple months ago, we did the spray foam on the home in Livingston for Abhilash Madhanrapu and now we just finished the drywall. This project has come such a long way since November! The ceilings have a unique curved finish and the house features a wide open space perfect for entertaining guests. This project is located up a steep hill, but we were up to the challenge.
Spotlight on Your Favorite Employee at Louis & Sons
In this section, we hope to get you familiar with some of the great people we have working here
Daniel has been working at Louis & Sons for 4 years! He works with Marcelino and Luis installing batt insulation. He has one sister and lives with his mom. In his spare time outside of work, Daniel likes going to the gym and going to the horse races. We are so happy to have Daniel and are grateful for all of the amazing work that he does at Louis & Sons.
News
New Bill Passed to Allow Electronic Payments for Construction Fees
On January 20th 2026, Senate Bill No. A4436 was officially approved in New Jersey. This bill requires a local unit to accept credit card payments and electronic funds transfers for construction code fees. Senator Henry stated, “Allowing contractors to pay fees electronically saves time, reduces paperwork, and helps projects move forward without needless delays. When we make government work smarter and more efficiently, everyone benefits.”
Source: senatenj.com
News
NJ Colleges and Universities Receive Nearly $250M to Upgrade Campus Infrastructure
The New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) has given $244.4 million in grant funding for 23 colleges and universities. These funds will be used for structural repairs across campus buildings to meet health, safety, fire, and building code standards. The funds will also be used to upgrade HVAC systems, fire alarms, emergency generators, boilers and chillers to maximize energy efficiency.
This includes:
- Drew University
- Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Felician University
- Kean University
- Montclair State University
- New Jersey City University
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Ramapo College of New Jersey
- Rowan University
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
- Saint Peter’s University
- Seton Hall University
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- Stockton University
- The College of New Jersey
- County College of Morris
- Essex County College
- Middlesex College
- Montclair State University
- Ocean County College
- Rowan College of South Jersey
- Saint Elizabeth University
- UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ
- William Paterson University
Source: www.njbmagazine.org
The New Year
Happy New Year to everyone and I hope the new year brings peace, stability, economic opportunity and blessings for health and hearts.
The world is changing fast. AI might affect us directly, but, if it eliminates thousands of jobs, that will directly affect the market and assuredly the housing market.
Conversely, there will be a labor shortage on the construction level. The hardest thing we will face is unpredictability. We are going to face serious challenges this coming year, but as always, we will rise to the challenge.
It will be important for us to communicate and cooperate with one another as much as possible.
We will use all our experience, flexibility, and knowledge to navigate the waters ahead. By working together, we will come out on top.
Thanks for all your support over the years and have a great 2026!
Mike Gemignani
President
Special Message
I would like to take a minute to address the current situation that is affecting our workforce right now. I am not by nature a political person and do not want to take sides with any party, particularly now in this climate.
The immigration system was broken a long time ago and the issue was always a kick the can down the road policy. Things are being done now to correct that, but is it really the best way? I agree that violent, criminal, and dependent migrants should be deported from our country with the utmost speed and efficiency.
However, I believe an exception should be made for the hardworking law-abiding people who come here only to benefit their lives. They work in our homes and stores. Restaurants and construction jobs depend on them and their loss would be extremely hard to replace.
I can tell you from first hand experience that in the early 1990s, there was a shift in my industry. Around this time, labor was very hard to find. You see, drywall had always been done by Americans and immigrants, but was considered a tough way to make a living. You could do well, but the toll it takes on your body after a while is significant.
The Americans as well as the immigrants such as Hungarians, Greeks, Italians worked hard, but wanted better for their children. Instead of training them and handing down their trade to the next generation, they made school and college a priority. We all want better for our children.
Although other trades like plumbers and electrical continued to attract young American men, the drywall and insulation trade was different. It became impossible to hire or train young American men.
Around this time, there was a depression in the state of Texas due to low oil rates. The economy dried up and Mexican migrants who learned drywall and taping there, saw an opportunity in New Jersey and in the East Coast in general.
They soon filled the void left by American workers. They did not steal jobs or work any cheaper. They simply did what needed to be done. My business and many other construction companies of all sorts would not have survived without this labor force. I’m sure that was the case with many other trades.
By getting to know them, I can see they are no different from us. They work hard for their families. They enjoy their community and all hope for a better life.
I would ask you what length you would go to put food on the table for your children. Would you relocate if you had no other options? Would you want to be judged harshly or shown compassion?
I believe we are the greatest country on Earth and have always led by example. We are a nation of immigrants, my father and mother included.
I personally don’t believe in violent protest or combating our own government.I do believe in peaceful protest and handling our differences peacefully. I only ask for everyone just to at least consider the humanity of those around us. They are different, but their difference brings light into our lives. They are the same, the same as you and me with hopes and dreams, struggles and just want a chance to have their pursuit of happiness.
Again, I am not taking sides, I believe both parties have acted in the extreme and things are really starting to get out of hand. My only hope is that we consider each other. We acknowledge each other and try to at least understand, if not agree with each other. Take time to try to think in terms, not of us versus them, but to see if we can agree on at least the most fundamental issues.
For everyone firmly holding onto their convictions, I say be careful for what you wish for, you might get it. This time in our country will pass and continue to be the great nation we have always been. We will work very hard to meet every challenge that comes our way and will continue to serve the community.
Thanks for taking the time to listen and God Bless America.
Mike Gemignani
President
Cartoon
Caroline’s Corner – Words of Wisdom
Anyone who has met or talked to our Office Manager will know that she is the most positive, optimistic and wonderful person you will ever meet. She often has quotes and stories that get us through our tension-filled days. Here’s a story that she would like to share about her grand-nephew, Mack
“The greatness of humanity is not in being human, but in being humane.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Jokes
My new year’s resolution was to get more fit. But it looks like all the gyms are closed for January 1st. Oh well, next year it is.
I still don’t know if Sir Issac Newton really existed. I have read about him, but all I found out is that he was a Theoretical Physicist.
My friend asked to borrow a ladder, so I took him to the shed and said, “This is my step ladder. I never met my real ladder.”
Quotes
“No one changes the world who isn’t obsessed.”
― Billie Jean King, American tennis player
“The new dawn blooms as we free it. For there is only light if we are brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it.”
― Amanda Gorman, American poet and activist
“Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.”
― Benjamin Franklin, Founding father of the United States
Louis & Sons Drywall, Inc. 