Workforce development funding bill passes

Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Steven Oroho (R-24) that would extend funding for manufacturing workforce development programs has passed the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
More than 1 million in-state jobs are supported by New Jersey’s manufacturing industry.
“The New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program has added or saved more than 32,000 jobs. Creating this program was an important step towards building a more innovative workforce,” Senator Oroho said. “Manufacturing is a rapidly-growing field where opportunities for high-paying jobs and long-term success abound. By increasing funding for the NJMEP, we can encourage more New Jerseyans to enter our booming manufacturing industry.”
It would authorize an appropriation of $250,000 for the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc. Senator Oroho is the co-chair of the bipartisan Legislative Manufacturing Caucus.
The legislation would also provide direct aid to fund grants in order to employ underserved and underemployed veterans.
Senator Oroho noted that there would also be an opportunity for the program to receive an additional $250,000 in federal matching funds, if his bill becomes law.
“There is a common misconception that accessing a high-paying job requires an expensive four year degree. That is not the case,” Oroho said. “Workforce development programs, such as the NJMEP, have produced tangible results for our veterans, unemployed, and underemployed residents.
Senator Oroho noted that there would also be an opportunity for the program to receive an additional $250,000 in federal matching funds, if his bill becomes law.
“There is a common misconception that accessing a high-paying job requires an expensive four year degree. That is not the case,” Oroho said. “Workforce development programs, such as the NJMEP, have produced tangible results for our veterans, unemployed, and underemployed residents.
“Increasing funding for job training will improve the overall quality of New Jersey’s workforce and give hardworking business owners a larger pool of well-trained, local candidates,” Oroho concluded.