NJBIA supported bills before an Assembly committee on Thursday that assist manufacturers by incentivizing capital investment and promoting workforce training opportunities in the industry.
The Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee voted to release both bills, A-2624, sponsored by Assemblywoman Carol Murphy, (D-7), and A-1431, sponsored by Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, (R-26), and Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker, (D-16).
“These bills address key concerns raised by manufacturers at the bipartisan Legislative Manufacturing Caucus hearings, where employers asked for greater investment in workforce development to address the current skills shortage, and noted the need to make it easier for small manufacturers to reinvest in their businesses,” said NJBIA Vice President Christopher Emigholz.
“NJBIA is pleased to see these pro-manufacturing bills moving forward in the Legislature,” he said.
A-2624 would establish a manufacturing reinvestment account program to make it easier for small businesses to invest in manufacturing machinery, equipment, and workforce development. A-1431 requires state agencies to identify the credentials needed for careers in modern manufacturing in order to help county vo-tech schools and community colleges develop appropriate training programs.
NJBIA also supported A-2765, sponsored by Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling, (D-11), which improves the marketing of products made in the Garden State with a new “Made in NJ” logo. The bill was unanimously released by Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee earlier on Thursday.
On March 26, NJBIA is sponsoring Made in New Jersey Day 2020 at the Statehouse, where more than two dozen Garden State companies will be promoting their New Jersey-made products. NJBIA will also be presenting awards at this event to 10 New Jersey manufacturing companies for their contributions to the industry.
Updated 6:30 p.m., March 5, 2020 after the committee voted to approve the bills.
