A measure sponsored by Monmouth County state Assembly members Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey to fortify the state’s five military installations has been signed into law by Gov. Chris Christie.
The law will establish the New Jersey Military Skills Council through the Department of State, incorporating recommendations from the 2015 report of the New Jersey Military Installation Growth and Development Task Force, according to a press release.
“We have Naval Weapons Station Earle right in our district and many of our residents are employed by and involved with military installations across the state,” said Houghtaling (D-Monmouth). “This council will ensure that our residents have good opportunities to serve, work and prepare for roles that will fortify and benefit our state’s military bases.”
New Jersey is home to five military installations, including Naval Weapons Station Earle in Colts Neck and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in Ocean and Burlington counties.
The new law (A-2515) will help generate new workforce training and education opportunities for workers aiming for jobs in the military and supporting industries by establishing the New Jersey Military Skills Council in the Department of State, according to the press release.
The council will assess the condition of military skills and training in New Jersey and advise the Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the Department of Education on expenditures from the Workforce Development Partnership Fund and other funds to support this training.
“This law will create new employment opportunities while strengthening and supporting our military bases. Even beyond combat roles, there are many supporting industries with special skill sets that support our military,” said Downey (D-Monmouth). “The needs of our armed forces are varied and we intend to support them at every turn.”
