ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION No. 192

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

216th LEGISLATURE

 

INTRODUCED DECEMBER 11, 2014

 

 

Sponsored by:

Assemblyman  VINCENT MAZZEO

District 2 (Atlantic)

Assemblyman  BOB ANDRZEJCZAK

District 1 (Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland)

Assemblyman  JOHN J. BURZICHELLI

District 3 (Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem)

Assemblywoman  SHAVONDA E. SUMTER

District 35 (Bergen and Passaic)

 

 

 

 

SYNOPSIS

     Urges United States Department of Labor to approve National Emergency Grant proposal to fund workforce training.

 

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

     As introduced.

  

An Assembly Resolution urging the United States Department of Labor to approve a National Emergency Grant proposal for vital workforce training assistance.

 

Whereas, In recent months several large casinos have closed their operations, leaving more than 8,000 New Jersey workers unemployed; and

Whereas, The closures of the Revel, Showboat, Trump Plaza, and Atlantic Club casinos, and the potential for more worker displacement from the closure of other casinos and related businesses, present a crisis for the economy of the entire Atlantic County region of this State; and

Whereas, While unemployment benefits are available to many of these displaced workers, these benefits are temporary, and ultimately the displaced workers will need training and education so that they match the knowledge and skills required for reemployment; and

Whereas, The State of New Jersey, through an application for a National Emergency Grant submitted by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, has a plan to provide employer-driven workforce training and education programs for displaced workers in the Atlantic County region; and

Whereas, Funding is necessary for these workforce training and education programs in order to provide displaced workers vital assistance in preparing for new employment opportunities, developing skills for in-demand occupations, and reemploying a significant sector of the State's workforce that has been negatively impacted through no fault of their own; and

Whereas, The funding from the National Emergency Grant will be used in coordination with local workforce investment boards to implement the workforce training and education programs proposed by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development; and

Whereas, The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development has submitted a comprehensive application for a National Emergency Grant to address this issue and it is imperative that the United States Department of Labor provide a swift and efficient response to this proposal, so that thousands of New Jersey workers are able to return to work, provide for themselves and their families, and once again experience the dignity and pride that comes with holding steady employment; and

Whereas, The effective and meaningful workforce training and education programming that will be funded by a National Emergency Grant is necessary for the Atlantic County region to regain a strong economic footing, and the consideration and approval of the State's grant proposal should be expedited in order to help displaced workers as soon as possible; now, therefore,

     Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

 

     1.    The United States Department of Labor is respectfully urged to approve the proposal for a National Emergency Grant, submitted by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, to fund employer-driven workforce training and education programs.

 

     2.    Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly to the Secretary of the United States Department of Labor and each member of the United States Congress elected from this State.

 

 

STATEMENT

 

     This resolution urges the United States Department of Labor to approve the proposal for a National Emergency Grant, submitted by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, to fund employer-driven workforce training and education programs.

     In recent months several large casinos have closed their operations, leaving more than 8,000 New Jersey workers unemployed. The closures of the Revel, Showboat, Trump Plaza, and Atlantic Club casinos, and the potential for more worker displacement from the closure of other casinos and related businesses, present a crisis for the economy of the entire Atlantic County region of this State. The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development submitted a comprehensive application for a National Emergency Grant to address this issue and it is imperative that the United States Department of Labor provide an expedited response to this proposal.