The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development showcased significant progress and ongoing initiatives during a recent Joint Committee on the Public Schools meeting. Commissioner Robert Sciro Angelo highlighted the department's achievements over the past seven years, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in enhancing the state's workforce.

Sciro Angelo opened with a nod to Public Service Recognition Week, thanking staff for their dedication. He noted that the department has implemented 111 new laws since January 2018, aimed at improving the lives of New Jersey workers. "When we work together, we can do big things for the people of New Jersey," he stated, underscoring the department's commitment to protecting workers' rights and ensuring fair wages.

A key focus of the meeting was the department's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which revealed vulnerabilities in the unemployment system. Sciro Angelo reported that New Jersey's unemployment trust fund is now robust, with a balance of $2.7 billion, a significant recovery from the pandemic's impact. He also highlighted the department's success in delivering nearly $40 billion in benefits to 1.6 million workers during the crisis.

The commissioner detailed advancements in technology and service delivery, including the launch of mycareer.nj.gov, an interactive platform that has attracted nearly 500,000 users seeking career resources. He also noted a 139% increase in apprenticeship programs since 2018, reflecting a strong commitment to workforce development.

In addressing wage theft and labor violations, Sciro Angelo reported that the department has collected approximately $84 million in wage assessments and penalties, with a focus on supporting compliant employers. He emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, "We expect nothing less than the same in return" from employers and stakeholders.

As the meeting concluded, Sciro Angelo urged continued efforts to modernize labor systems and ensure that every worker in New Jersey receives the respect and dignity they deserve. The department's proactive approach and commitment to innovation position New Jersey as a leader in workforce development, setting a standard for other states to follow.