Job Creation Measure Advances in Trenton

Legislation to spur job growth by providing bonus awards to certain businesses who hire people unemployed for more than 13 weeks was released 6-2-1 Thursday by an Assembly panel.

The bill, sponsored by Democrats Nelson Albano, Matthew Milam, Troy Singleton, Marlene Caride and Shavonda Sumter, would allow businesses eligible under the Business Retention and Relocation Assistance Program or the Grow New Jersey Assistance Program to receive tax credits for each full-time job created that is filled by someone who received at least 13 weeks of unemployment benefits immediately preceding the hiring.

“Anything we can do to responsibly incentivize the hiring of out-of-work New Jerseyans, especially those who have been looking for a job for a long time, is a smart thing to do,” said Albano. “This bill is a must as we continue focusing on job creation.

“Our focus on job creation cannot waver, and this bill is a responsible step forward,” said Caride. “We’ll be creating jobs and awarding companies that are advancing our economic recovery, and those are great things.”

Assemblyman Robert Schroeder (R) voted against the bill, saying "it doesn't do enough."