November 13, 2008

AMODEO AND RUMANA’S SENIOR LABOR TASK FORCE BILL ADVANCES

Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman John Amodeo and Assemblyman Scott Rumana that establishes a Senior Labor Task Force to study, evaluate and make recommendations relating to senior citizens in the state’s labor force was approved today by the Assembly Labor Committee.

“These extremely difficult and challenging economic times are creating hardships for every aspect of our population, senior citizens included,” stated Amodeo. “It’s near impossible to live on a fixed income as retirement funds continue to evaporate and property taxes continue to climb. As a result, many seniors are being forced back into the workforce. It’s important for us to recognize and understand the many and varied challenges they will face when they do so.”

The legislation, A-2791, creates a nine-member task force that will:
• Assess the needs of older workers and the challenges they face to remain active members of the workforce beyond the traditional age of retirement;

• Determine the barriers that impede senior citizens from reentering the workforce after an extended absence and the obstacles that confront older workers making a transition into the labor force for the first time;

• Investigate the frequency and severity of age discrimination in the workplace and the extent to which it alters or hinders the growth and development of the senior workforce; and,

• Review the needs of employers seeking to attract and integrate senior citizens into their workplace environment.

Members will be comprised of the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, a representative of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, a representative of a Chamber of Commerce, and five public members appointed by the governor.

“Let’s face it, as older workers watch their retirement funds dwindle in today’s highly volatile market, many are being forced to postpone retirement and work beyond the traditional retirement age,” said Rumana, R-Bergen, Essex and Passiac. “Others are being forced out of retirement. We have here a whole segment of society in need of assistance. In order to lend a helping hand, we need to understand the barriers and challenges seniors face to ensure they are competitive and productive employees.”

The bill, which passed 9 to 0 in the Assembly Labor Committee, will now go to the full General Assembly for a vote.