This bill amends Section 9 of P.L.1992, c.43 to establish a permanent funding source of up to $1.5 million for the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc. (NJMEP) from the Workforce Development Partnership Fund. The NJMEP is a private, non-profit organization focused on enhancing the profitability and competitiveness of New Jersey manufacturers by improving productivity, reducing costs, and enhancing employee performance. The bill also includes provisions to support various workforce development initiatives, such as the New Jersey Innovation and Research Fellowship Program and the Talent Network Program, while ensuring that all appropriations to the fund are used solely for the specified purposes.

To accommodate the new funding for NJMEP, the bill reduces the allocation for the Office of Customized Training from 37% to 36.5% of the total revenues dedicated to the Workforce Development Partnership Fund, effectively reallocating $1.5 million to support the manufacturing sector. The bill also outlines specific percentages of the fund's revenues that will be reserved for various workforce development services, including training for displaced and disadvantaged workers, youth transitions to work, and occupational safety and health training. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 34:15D-9