The Assembly's Labor Committee approved a key part of the Democrat's job creation plan that would allow laid-off workers to continue to collect unemployment benefits while receiving on-the-job training.
People seeking work at a job fiar in Hudson County in February. The unemployment rate rose to 9.2 percent in June.TRENTON — The Assembly’s Labor Committee approved a key part of the Democrat’s job creation plan that would allow laid-off workers to continue to collect unemployment benefits while receiving on-the-job training.
The “Back to Work NJ Program” would allow laid-off workers to enroll in company-sponsored training programs for up to 24 weeks while collecting unemployment benefits. The plan would cost taxpayers $3 million, supporters say.
Each trainee would be eligible for up to $100 a week for transportation, child care and other costs. The program is voluntary for both laid off workers and employers.
Gov. Chris Christie blocked Democrats previous attempt to establish such a program when he vetoed a package of 14 job-related bills sent to him February, saying the combined cost of $600 million was unaffordable.
Sponsored by Assembly Speaker Shelia Oliver (D-Essex), the bill (A-4332) passed the committee along partisan lines, with one Republican saying the state cannot afford it.
“I would support the bill, if it didn’t spend money,” said Assemblyman Jay Webber (R-Morris).
“This is another chance for Gov. Christie and Republicans to do the right thing and join Democrats in helping out-of-work New Jerseyans," said Oliver in a written statement. “This is an innovative program that will allow out-of-work New Jerseyans to develop the new skills they need and keep them tethered to the workforce even in the face of unemployment.”
New Jersey’s unemployment rate has dipped modestly in recent months and is currently at 9.2 percent, slightly higher than the national average.
The committee also approved a bill along partisan lines that would boost disability benefits for workers who suffer serious hand or foot injuries. The bill was opposed by a group of insurance and business associations, who said it would create a financial burden on businesses already struggling with thin profit margins.
Another bill approved by the committee, also along partisan lines, would help prevent layoffs by offering unemployment benefits to workers who see their hours reduced and work in a pool of employees.
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