M E M O R A N D U M

TO: Members of the Assembly Labor Committee

FROM: Hilary Chebra, Manager, Government Affairs, CCSNJ

RE:                        A-4617 (DeAngelo/Haider/Greenwald)

  A-4618 (Freiman/Murphy/Greenwald)

The Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) would like to voice our support for A-4617 (DeAngelo/Haider/Greenwald) and, A-4618 (Freiman/Murphy/ Greenwald).

The healthcare industry has long seen workforce shortages, and these shortages were only exacerbated by the pandemic. Burnout and retirements have left the industry struggling to maintain the workforce needed to keep residents healthy and safe. The CCSNJ is proud to support these bills, as part of a larger package of bills that attempt to address this crucial issue for the healthcare industry.  

A-4617 (DeAngelo/Haider/Greenwald) would require the Department Labor and Workforce Development to work with healthcare stakeholders to identify unemployed individuals who can be trained to work in healthcare fields. The healthcare industry is one of the largest in the state, providing various job opportunities. Filling these vital positions is an important step to ensuring the state is prepared for the now covid endemic and possible future pandemics. This bill will make it easier to connect unemployed individuals to the numerous opportunities in this large and growing field. 

Additionally, A-4618 (Freiman/Murphy/Greenwald) would create an online job portal in the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to help connect behavioral healthcare workers with job openings. The pandemic also shed a light on a mental health crisis that was only made worse as case of anxiety, depression and substance abuse increased. A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 6 in 10 psychologists say they don’t have openings for new patients, making access to help incredibly difficult. In addition, the need for drug and alcohol treatment has increased, with many unable to access help due to a shortage of professionals. Creating an online portal will create an accessible tool for both behavioral health workers and employers to connect and fill these crucial opening.

Thank you for allowing the CCSNJ to express our support for A-4617 (DeAngelo/Haider/ Greenwald) and, A-4618 (Freiman/Murphy/Greenwald).