On October 13, the Assembly Higher Education Committee considered and unanimously passed A-2014 (Conaway/Wirths), the “Manufacturing in Higher Education Act,” which the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) has long and strongly supported.

The bill calls for state agencies to work with the business community to design manufacturing career pathways that will be implemented through county colleges and county vocational/technical schools. Its overall goal is to create a workforce pipeline for jobs, while ensuring the training provided through these higher education programs meets the needs of the manufacturing industry as they continue to evolve.

Laura Gunn, Vice President at Katz Government Affairs, LCC testified on behalf of the CCSNJ in support of A-2014 (Conaway/Wirths). In her remarks, she stated how critically important it is to see the manufacturing industry thrive in South Jersey, explaining to the Committee that the eight most southern counties in New Jersey are home to more manufacturing companies than 20 different states across the country. Additionally, Ms. Gunn noted that although employment in manufacturing is highly concentrated in the state’s more populated areas, the southern region of New Jersey makes up a larger percentage of total private sector employment in the industry.

A-2014 (Conaway/Wirths) now moves to the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee for a hearing. Earlier this year, the CCSNJ supported its Senate counterpart, which passed unanimous by a vote of 38-0.

To read the CCSNJ’s testimony on A-2014 (Conaway/Wirths), please click here.

Should you have any questions, please contact Christina Renna at crenna@chambersnj.com.