The New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) has expressed support for three workforce training bills that have returned to Governor Phil Murphy’s desk after the Legislature accepted his recommended changes.
“We are supportive of these three bills that were a part of the opportunity agenda for the New Jersey Council of County Colleges,” said NJBIA Vice President of Government Affairs Althea D. Ford.
“Through these bills, the transformative work of the NJCCC to impact workforce development will be codified and initiatives to streamline workforce development investments.”
“We thank the sponsors and supporters of this bill for working to get it back to the governor’s desk,” Ford said.
The first bill, A-5211/S-4203, aims to formalize the New Jersey Career Pathways to Opportunities Initiative and strengthen operations within New Jersey’s community college system. Governor Murphy conditionally vetoed this bill, stating he supported “legislation’s aim of strengthening the community college to employment pipeline” but suggested removing a requirement for the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development to promote and support the initiative.
A second measure, A-5213/S-4012, would establish a pilot program called “New Economy Opportunity Skills System” intended to foster collaboration between local workforce boards, community colleges, and county vocational school districts. The State Employment and Training Commission would be tasked with creating this program focused on industry-recognized credentials. However, Murphy questioned whether “the SETC does not engage in the type of program administration assigned to it in this bill.” He recommended oversight instead by the Division of Workforce Development within the Department of Labor.
The third bill, A-5183/S-4009, directs NJDOLWD to develop and maintain an industry-valued credential list as a way for employers’ needs to be better understood by job trainers. This legislation also seeks an objective metric showing how well state training matches industry requirements. In his conditional veto message, Murphy noted that NJDOLWD already maintains a statewide list of approved training providers under current law. To avoid confusion with existing statutes, he advised making maintenance of this new list permissive rather than mandatory.
NJBIA is recognized as one of New Jersey’s leading employer associations representing businesses across many sectors including manufacturing, retail, wholesale, contracting and services according to its official website. The association supports business success through advocacy efforts and partnerships with government entities and academic institutions as detailed on its site.
Michele Siekerka serves as president and chief executive officer at NJBIA according to its official website.
