Garden State Times

The Senate Labor Committee has approved legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco aimed at enhancing employment opportunities within New Jersey's healthcare sector. Sen. Bucco highlighted the challenges faced by healthcare professionals due to staffing shortages, stating, "Healthcare professionals have endured disproportionate mental and physical strain amidst ongoing staffing shortages stemming from pandemic-induced challenges. The diminished presence of essential healthcare workers is concerning, especially now, during a time when New Jersey is not viewed as being adequately prepared to handle another large-scale health crisis."

Emphasizing the importance of a robust healthcare industry for the well-being of New Jersey residents, Sen. Bucco explained, "A resilient healthcare industry is vital for safeguarding the well-being of all New Jerseyans. This bipartisan legislation would establish a program to help address worker shortages at hospitals and other healthcare facilities across the State."

The bipartisan bill, known as S-1472, outlines key provisions including the requirement for collaboration between the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development and healthcare stakeholders to create a program aimed at identifying, recruiting, and training unemployed individuals for roles within healthcare facilities. Additionally, the program will take into consideration various factors such as the candidates' ability to commute to work and potential barriers to employment.

Individuals interested in reading the full text of S-1472 can access it online. For further inquiries about the legislation, individuals are encouraged to contact Chris Sivel, SRO Deputy Director of Communications, to arrange an interview with Sen. Bucco.