SENATE LABOR COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 1957

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  AUGUST 10, 2020

      The Senate Labor Committee reports favorably Senate Bill, No. 1957.

      This bill would establish a permanent new source of funding of up to $1.5 million for the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc., (NJMEP) or an appropriate successor from the Workforce Development Partnership Fund.

      The NJMEP is a private, non-profit organization that seeks to improve the profitability and competitiveness of manufacturers in this State.  NJMEP helps organizations to enhance their productivity and efficiencies, reduce costs, and improve employee performance.

      Under current law, of the total revenues dedicated to the Workforce Development Partnership Funds, 37% is reserved for and appropriated to the Office of Customized Training.  The bill reduces this allocation by $1.5 million to provide for the funding of the NJMEP under the bill.