Gov. Murphy signs legislation to generate good-paying union jobs, accelerate growth of emerging sectors

NEW JERSEY – Governor Phil Murphy Thursday signed a package of bills to promote the generation of family-sustaining, primarily union jobs and the growth of burgeoning industries in New Jersey.

Bills, A5651/S4019, will enable New Jersey’s first offshore wind project, Ocean Wind 1, to access federal tax credits and commit to supporting our state’s growing offshore wind supply chain.

Additionally, bills, A5393/S3748, appropriates $30 million and bolsters the State’s film and digital media tax credit program, while bills, A5644/S4023, makes critical changes to the Aspire Program, which brings new residential and commercial developments to under-resourced communities by helping to finance projects that would otherwise not be economically feasible for developers.

“When future generations look back on this pivotal moment in our state’s history, we will be judged not only by our long-term economic vision for the Next New Jersey, but by the concrete steps we took to create good-paying jobs for workers here and now,” Murphy said. “The future of tomorrow’s industries begins today, and with it the promise of an inclusive 21^st-century economy founded upon family-sustaining union jobs and continued growth in emerging sectors. Whether it’s offshore wind, film production, or residential and commercial development, by bolstering our standing as a national leader in these industries, we will continue to build a stronger and fairer New Jersey for all.”

“Today, New Jersey takes a major step toward reaching the Governor’s goal of 11 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2040 so that we can provide clean, renewable energy for all New Jerseyans as we continue to fight the ravages of climate change,” said NJBPU President Joseph L. Fiordaliso. “Not only is a thriving offshore wind industry vital for the future of our environment, but it will provide a significant boost to our state’s economy including the creation of a supply chain hub in south Jersey and thousands of good paying union jobs.”

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has made major investments to build and attract new, diverse, and innovative sectors to help create a stronger, more resilient economy,” said Tim Sullivan, CEO, New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). “With the stroke of a pen today, Governor Murphy is reaffirming his commitment to creating good-paying jobs, revitalizing communities, and improving New Jersey’s environment. I thank Governor Murphy, as well as the Legislature for passing these critical bills, which will allow the NJEDA to continue developing these industries and move our economy forward.”

“We’ve seen what these projects have done for some of our downtown corridors, leading to an infusion of growth and a strong return on their investments,” said Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz. “Since the bill was signed—almost three years ago — the economic circumstances have changed in New Jersey and around the country. This legislation will increase the project caps in cities that need more housing stock and greater economic development, while maintaining the integrity of the program.”

“Netflix has committed to developing a state-of-the art production facility on the campus of Fort Monmouth in Monmouth County, creating both permanent production jobs as well as construction jobs, not to mention revitalizing local economic activity,” said Senator Vin Gopal. “Incentivizing film and digital production companies to increase investments into New Jersey facilities and localities will no doubt have a lasting, positive impact on the Shore Region.”

“I’m incredibly proud of the aggressive clean energy goals we’ve set here in New Jersey,” said Senator Gordon Johnson. “This legislation will go a long way in keeping us on track by ensuring our off shore wind industry has the support it needs to get off the ground.”

“The promise of the Aspire Tax Incentive Program has the opportunity to change lives, and transform neighborhoods, especially in cities such as Paterson, Trenton and Atlantic City,” said Senator Nellie Pou. “The further enhancement of the program through this legislation is a lifeline, and will allow the Aspire program to live up to its fullest potential, as well as provide a long-needed boost to cities that have suffered greatly from the economic stress brought on by the Pandemic.”

“The Shore region has long been one of the main drivers of economic growth in our state,” said Senator Paul Sarlo, Budget Committee Chair. “The Netflix redevelopment at Fort Monmouth and other projects that will be aided by this legislation will certainly play a starring role in the region’s continuing revitalization.”

“There is endless potential for creating good, family-wage jobs with clean energy projects in New Jersey. We have the greatest workforce in America,” said Senator Bob Smith, Chair of the Senate Environment Committee. “With this law, we are sending a strong message to those employers who want to invest in New Jersey that we are committed to being a leader in offshore wind and the global clean energy economy.”

“New Jersey is no stranger to the effects of climate change. Rising sea levels, flooding, and severe storms have decimated our state in recent years. We now have a chance to change the course of our state’s history and mitigate the effects of climate change by harnessing clean, renewable offshore wind to power our homes and businesses, allowing us to diversify our state’s energy portfolio and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels,” said Assembly Majority Leader Louis D. Greenwald. “Investing in clean energy will not only protect the air we breathe, and lessen our carbon footprint, but it will also strengthen our economy, create jobs, and stimulate the growth of small businesses. Offshore wind is a once-in-a-generation environmental and economic opportunity for our state.”

“As the birthplace of the movie camera and the motion picture industry, it’s fitting that our state’s earlier expansion of film and digital media credits led to $650 million of in-state production spending in 2022 and the creation of over 8,500 jobs,” said Assemblyman Raj Mukherji. “The legislation being signed today will lead to the development of studio space totaling hundreds of thousands in square feet, creating a multibillion dollar industry, thousands of permanent jobs in the industry, and thousands more ancillary jobs. The impact will be seismic, as we look to revitalize communities throughout our state and energize local economies.”

“The ASPIRE program serves as a catalyst for the overall supply and improvement of housing affordability for low- and moderate-income individuals and families by offering project gap financing through tax credits to support our local developers and businesses,” said Assembly Budget Chair Eliana Pintor Marin. “Combined with incentives for film and digital media content production, we are attracting investments to set our economy up for sustainable success. These programs will play a vital role in supporting local communities, fostering innovation, and positioning New Jersey as a leader in film productions and economic development.”

”It is appropriate that Governor Murphy chose to sign the tax credit bill at the EEW AOS plant in Paulsboro because investments like this ensure that offshore wind farms up and down the Atlantic Seaboard will be built with components manufactured by New Jersey workers and shipped out of New Jersey ports,” said Former Senate President Steve Sweeney, who chairs the advisory board for the Sweeney Center for Public Policy at Rowan University and sponsored the state’s first offshore wind tax credit law as Senate President in 2010. “Both the Administration and the Legislature worked hard over the past five years to put New Jersey in the forefront of offshore wind manufacturing, supply chains and development. This legislation preserves our edge in the increasing competition with New York, Maryland and other states for offshore wind jobs.”

“Under the leadership of Governor Phil Murphy, New Jersey is on the verge of leading in a new energy industry that will lead to good union jobs for workers,” said Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters Executive Secretary-Treasurer William C. Sproule. “Our union is ready to meet the needs of the new offshore wind industry through our expanded training facilities, our newly announced accreditation as the first trade union with a Global Wind Organisation certified training program, and with the thousands of already highly skilled union carpenters, pile drivers, and millwrights who are ready to build and maintain New Jersey offshore wind turbines.”

“IATSE International President Matthew D. Loeb and the over 5,000 IATSE members who play a key role in entertaining the world working in the Garden State thank Governor Phil Murphy for his undaunting support for the Arts since the day he took the oath of office, and we thank him for his gracious actions bestowed upon the Arts community guiding us through the pandemic,” said Greg Hancox, President, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 59.

“We applaud Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Legislature for continuing to prioritize the generation of family-sustaining jobs in emerging sectors. Our more than 7,000 members across the Garden State look forward to building the projects that will serve as the foundation of New Jersey’s growing economy,” said Greg Lalevee, Business Manager, International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 825.

“I would like to thank Governor Murphy and the legislature for their leadership in making this reality. The signing of this important legislation will allow for many jobs to be created in the short term as well as the long term with the construction of the monopiles located at the Paulsboro Port,” said Daniel Cosner, President, Southern New Jersey Building Trades Council.

“Today’s bill signings are a testament to our shared understanding that our unions remain the backbone of a thriving 21^st-century economy. We thank Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Legislature for promoting economic opportunity and good-paying jobs not just in South Jersey, but across the Garden State as a whole,” stated Southern New Jersey Central Labor Council.