Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Gordon Johnson, Benjie Wimberly and Eliana Pintor Marin to encourage community colleges to work with diverse state groups and businesses on workforce basic skills training was signed into law on Monday.
“It is important for community colleges to forge relationships with local and statewide groups that reflect or can provide diverse experiences for their students,” said Johnson (D-Bergen). “Community colleges are currently directed to work with the New Jersey Business and Industry under current law. This bill encourages community colleges to seek out other viable resources in the state that would enhance basic skills training and better prepare them for workforce challenges.”
Specifically, the law (S-1761/A-4473) directs the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development to work with state, regional and county organizations that are dedicated to the economic empowerment of segments of society such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, including but not limited to African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey and the statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey and any other appropriate business organizations.
“This is common sense economic policy,” said Wimberly (D-Passaic/Bergen). “If we’re to revive our economy and create jobs, we need to make sure everyone shares in that recovery.”
“We live in a diverse state with many talents and abilities,” said Pintor Marin (D-Essex). “Let’s be sure we take full advantage of those resources to build a stronger economy and create more jobs.”