On May 8, Hilary Chebra, Manager of Government Affairs provided testimony on several bills before the Senate Labor Committee.

Ms. Chebra spoke in support of S-730 (Madden), which would establish the "Remote Work Study Commission.” The Commission would be charged with evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of remote work, whether or not it has an impact on the productivity of workers, and the effect that the pandemic has had on remote work. Then, the Commission will author a report to the Governor’s Office with its findings one year after it convenes.

Ms. Chebra thanked the bill’s sponsor, Committee Chair Fred Madden, for the inclusion of an amendment that would add representation from the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) on the Commission. She noted the importance of having a South Jersey voice to share the challenges and opportunities that remote work presents within the region for both employers and employees.

This bill passed by a vote of 5-0. To read the CCSNJ testimony on S-730, click here.

Additionally, Ms. Chebra provided testimony in support of S-1631 (Greenstein/Beach), which would establish a program in the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) to connect persons with disabilities with job training and employment.

As part of a group convened by the Legislature in 2021, the collective goal was to increase private sector employment options for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). At that time, the CCSNJ surveyed our members and found that the biggest barrier to hiring individuals with disabilities was identifying candidates and access to job coaching information. Subsequently, in letters to the Legislature and Administration, the CCSNJ strongly suggested that the state consider developing a program for employers that would connect nonprofits providing job coaching/training for the disabled community to the business community. Today, the CCSNJ was proud to support S-1631 (Greenstein/Beach), which follows that specific recommendation.

This bill passed out of Committee by a vote of 5-0 and now awaits a vote by the full Senate. To read the CCSNJ testimony on S-1631, click here.

Finally, the CCSNJ was pleased to provide support for S-1485 (Beach/Singleton), the "New Jersey Works Act". The CCSNJ commends the sponsors of this bill, which would aid the state's workforce needs by permitting businesses to create pre-employment training programs in partnership with nonprofit organizations or educational institutions. Additionally, the bill would provide tax relief to businesses for helping employees get on-the-job training. This bill passed the Senate Labor Committee 5-0 and now awaits a vote by the full Senate.

The CCSNJ worked with the initial author of this bill, Assemblyman Bill Spearman of the Fifth Legislative District, when drafting this legislation which originated in the Assembly. The Assembly version, A-583, passed the Assembly Labor Committee and currently awaits a hearing in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

To read the CCSNJ testimony on S-1485, click here.