Assembly Dems Unveil Jobs Package

Today, Assembly Democratic leader announced they will focus much of its December activity on an extensive job creation and economic development initiative. The Assembly’s December 17 voting session is expected to include roughly 20 bills focusing on creating jobs and spurring the economy.

Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver says, “New Jersey faces great challenges in the months – even years – ahead when it comes to rebuilding after Sandy, but we cannot forget that New Jersey’s unemployment rate was hovering near 10 percent even before the storm hit.”

Some of the bills expected to be considered include; revised legislation sponsored by Oliver to create the Back to Work NJ job creation and economic growth initiative. Governor Chris Christie vetoed previous versions of the bill, but the Speaker remains committed to fighting for its passage; the New Jobs for New Jersey tax credit program to provide incentives to small private sector employers who increase their workforce by hiring unemployed workers; various bills to support veteran-owned businesses and businesses that employ veterans and to help veterans find work; and a bill to provide tax credits for investing in New Jersey’s emerging business technology sector.

Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald says, “Rebuilding after Sandy will be a major undertaking, but it must be a multi-faceted approach that should include a focus on job creation and economic development that will position New Jersey for success.”