In response to Governor Chris Christie’s State of the State address, Assemblyman Wayne P. DeAngelo today said that there still needs to be a focus on helping create sustainable opportunities for working-class men and women who are struggling to find new careers in this economy.
“While the state continues to grow and rebound, career opportunities for middle-class workers need to be at the core of any policies or programs put in place. A ‘come back’ must include career creation for those who need sustainable jobs.
“When the unemployment rate among industries such as the building trades is more than double the rate of overall employment, we must do more to create jobs that put workers on target for a career that can last, not just short-lived jobs that won’t provide paychecks when it comes time to pay the bills.
“For example, this past year, I was proud to participate in the launch of the ‘Helmets to Hard Hats’ program aimed at providing careers in building and construction for our returning veterans. This program looks to bring servicemen and women into fields that can create long-term stability for families to support themselves. It is programs like this one that demonstrate the need to create career paths for middle-class New Jerseyans.”