New Jersey Assembly Bill A885

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Establishes "Bring Veterans to New Jersey Program."

Impact

Under this bill, eligible veterans must agree to relocate from another state to New Jersey to accept a job with participating employers. The assistance provided by the program can amount to $5,000 to cover relocation expenses. This financial incentive not only supports veterans in their transition to civilian employment but also aims to address workforce shortages in New Jersey by tapping into the skills of veterans. The legislation seeks to enhance the integration of veterans into the workforce, benefiting both the individuals and the state's economy.

Summary

Bill A885 establishes the 'Bring Veterans to New Jersey Program', aimed at aiding New Jersey employers in recruiting qualified veterans for job positions. This initiative is particularly focused on providing relocation assistance to military veterans, which encompasses reimbursement for eligible expenses incurred by the veterans upon their move to New Jersey for employment. The program will be administered by a nonprofit organization contracted by the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, emphasizing a partnership between the state government and nonprofit stakeholders to support veteran employment.

Contention

One notable aspect of A885 is the stipulation that veterans must maintain their employment for at least 12 months to avoid repayment of relocation assistance. However, there are provisions for forgiveness of such repayment if the veteran's job termination is due to extenuating circumstances like family emergencies or layoffs. This provision aims to balance the state's investment in veteran employment with a safeguard for job stability, potentially mitigating concerns from both veterans and employers regarding the enforceability of the program's requirements.