(TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Paul Moriarty, John Burzichelli, Cleopatra Tucker, Wayne DeAngelo, Joe Danielsen and Raj Mukherji to ensure consideration of former members of the military for non-civil service jobs in New Jersey was approved by the full Assembly on Thursday.
“The enormous sacrifice and unyielding commitment required of New Jersey’s military families is reason enough to do what we can to help veterans get back to work sooner than later after their service has ended,” said Moriarty (D-Camden, Gloucester). “The valuable skills gained while working to preserve freedom and democracy can be an asset in non-civil service positions. Our veterans need more opportunities for employment and that is just what this legislation does.”
The bill (A-631) would provide counties and municipalities whose hiring preferences are not regulated by the civil service rules with the ability to provide hiring preferences to veterans.
“Too many of our veterans are out of work,” said Burzichelli (D-Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem). “This legislation opens doors for veterans that may not have been open to them before.”
“We must encourage employers to look to veterans which searching for a candidate to fill positions,” said Tucker (D-Essex). “Establishing a hiring preference does just that.”
In order to be eligible for preferential treatment when applying for employment with a county or municipality, the veteran must be at least equally qualified with all other candidates for the position.
“New Jersey’s military men and women are returning home to a tough economic climate and a dismal unemployment rate,” said DeAngelo (D-Mercer, Middlesex). “This legislation will give them access to the opportunity they deserve when they come back home.”
“This legislation honors the sacrifice and invaluable service made by each and every New Jersey veteran,” said Danielson (D-Middlesex, Somerset). “Veterans have selflessly served this country here and overseas to protect our freedoms. It is our duty to ensure they have every opportunity to find work when they return to civilian life.”
“Veterans are a priority in hiring on the federal and state level for civil service positions,” said Mukherji (D-Hudson). “It’s time to expand the law to allow local governments to participate in veteran preference hiring for non-civil service jobs.”
The bill does not modify any provision of chapter 14 of Title 40A of the New Jersey statutes concerning preference given to veterans with regard to employment in police and fire departments.
The measure passed the Assembly 62-0. The Assembly Military and Veterans Affairs Committee approved the bill released the bill on Nov 16.