Assemblywoman Celeste M. Riley (D-Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem) and Assemblyman Wayne P. DeAngelo (D-Mercer/Middlesex) issued the following statements on Friday in response to Governor Christie’s veto of a bill (S-1440/A-2910) they sponsored to prohibit employers from discriminating against the long-term unemployed during the hiring process:
“As our state’s economy continues to trail behind others nationwide, the governor has failed – once again – to stand up for New Jersey residents struggling to secure stable jobs and provide for their families.
“Democrats in the Legislature worked in an effort to end the frustrating cycle of applicants being unable to find a job because they don’t have a job. We worked to give all New Jerseyans a more equal opportunity to put their skills to good use. Governor Christie, however, chose to maintain this barrier to employment instead of doing what’s best for New Jersey’s families, and it’s unfortunate,” said Riley.
“Every day, unemployed middle-class workers are on the job trail to put food on the table for their families. The governor’s veto of this bill leaves a potentially impassable hurdle by allowing their current job status to be used against them. We need to be clearing the path to new jobs, not leaving roadblocks in their way,” said DeAngelo.