The New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA) expressed support for two workforce development bills presented to the Senate Labor Committee on Monday. The association, which represents private-sector employers across New Jersey and is recognized as the nation’s largest statewide employer association, aims to strengthen job opportunities in response to high unemployment rates. More information about NJBIA’s role can be found on its official website.
Bill S-3593, known as the New Jersey Works Act and sponsored by Senator Beach (D-6), would allow businesses to receive tax credits for creating approved pre-employment and work readiness training programs in partnership with schools, nonprofit organizations, or educational institutions.
“NJBIA strongly supports this bill because it reflects a principle we consistently champion,” said NJBIA Vice President of Government Affairs Althea D. Ford. “Workforce policy works best when it is driven by employers, aligned with real labor market demand, and built through strong partnerships with education and training providers.
“Businesses across New Jersey are struggling to find workers with foundational skills and job readiness, even for entry-level and middle-skill positions. This bill directly addresses that challenge.
“By incentivizing employers to invest in paid, pre-employment and work readiness training in partnership with high schools, colleges, vocational schools, and nonprofits, S-3593 creates a true earn-and-learn pipeline,” Ford said.
A second measure, Bill S-1381 (Lagana, D-38; Bucco, R-25), would require the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development to identify and recruit unemployed individuals for jobs in health care facilities. NJBIA has also advocated for an amendment to expand these employment opportunities to include home care and hospice services—a change previously adopted by the Assembly during an earlier legislative session.
“This legislation efficiently and effectively deploys the human capital and resources of NJDOLWD to engage in workforce development by connecting prospective workers to employment opportunities in an in-demand field,” Ford said.
“NJDOLWD is strategically positioned to interact with individuals seeking employment and direct them to training opportunities that can directly impact the critical workforce shortages we are experiencing in healthcare.
“This bill demonstrates one way that workforce development can truly be accomplished using our existing state infrastructure to address a very real workforce gap,” Ford said. “We thank the sponsors of both bills to help bolster workforce development in New Jersey.”
The Senate Labor Committee voted to advance both bills.
NJBIA advances competitive excellence among its members while providing essential information and services such as advocacy efforts designed to support business prosperity (source). The organization also facilitates partnerships among businesses, government entities, and academic institutions (source). Michele Siekerka serves as president and chief executive officer (source).
