(TRENTON) – Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer/Hunterdon) released the following statement Wednesday after the job creation bill she sponsored – The New Jersey Economic Opportunity Act of 2013 (A-3680) – was signed into law:
“No bill is perfect, and this bill could have been much better, but this law that I sponsored will mean good things for Trenton, so I’m pleased to see it signed today.
“This law establishes four Garden State Growth Zones to create jobs in some of our most struggling cities, including Trenton.
“Under this law, we’ll have enhanced incentives and a property tax abatement program for Trenton, both of which will be designed to create jobs and spark further economic development. This is a positive step forward for our capital city, which has so often been neglected by this governor.
“I fought for Trenton’s inclusion and was pleased to see my legislative colleagues agree that more focus needs to be on job creation and economic growth in places like Trenton. If our cities don’t succeed, then the rest of the state will struggle, too.
“This sweeping revamp of the state’s economic incentive program is something we can all embrace. It should reap benefits throughout the state, which is why it’s tragic the governor saw fit to remove prevailing wage for some of our lowest income workers from this bill.
“Struggling families have never been this governor’s priority, but as we reap the benefits of this law for Trenton and elsewhere, I will also continue to fight for a living wage for all workers in our state and obtainable affordable housing.”