TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Troy Singleton and Senator Dawn Marie Addiego that would provide preferences for certain businesses applying for workforce development grants was approved by the full Senate today.
“The purpose of the Workforce Development Partnership Program is to provide training services to those who are employed, unemployed, or disadvantaged,” said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington). “This program will help to give these workers the confidence they need to return to work or seek opportunities in a new field, which will ultimately improve their long-term career prospects.”
The bill, S-446, would give greater access to workforce development funds to certain employers. More specifically, it would add employers that seek Workforce Development Partnership Program funds and are manufacturers with the types of employers that are already given priority. The Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development administers the Workforce Development Partnership Program.
The law already gives preference to businesses that provide training to veterans or focus their business on science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. This bill would add employers involved in manufacturing to that list.
The bill was released from the full Senate with a vote of 37-0, and next heads to the Assembly for further consideration.