Downey & Houghtaling Bill to Spur Innovation & Economic Growth Through Higher Ed & Business Partnerships Now Law

TRENTON -- Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Gary S. Schaer, Mila Jasey, Gordon Johnson, Andrew Zwicker, Thomas Giblin and Joann Downey to create a commission comprised of higher education and business professionals to study and strategize on best ways to foster innovation, job growth and economic development in the state has been signed into law.

The law (A-1668) establishes the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education and Business Partnerships in the Department of State. The commission will be comprised of: the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, the Secretary of Higher Education, the Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Development Authority, 12 members appointed by the Governor, and four members of the public appointed by the leaders of the Senate and General Assembly.

“There is strength in numbers,” said Downey (D-Monmouth). “Rather than work in isolation, this collaboration will allow us to be more effective in our shared goal of producing the type of workforce in New Jersey that will help propel our industries and our economy forward.”

"Unemployment may be down, but our state is still lagging when it comes to economic growth," said Houghtaling (D-Monmouth), "This new law will help address that by drawing on the incredible resources we already have in New Jersey to find new, creative ways to boost our economy."

The 12 members appointed by the Governor will include: the president of a public research university, a representative of a public college or university located in the state and a representative of an independent college or university located in the state that are actively engaged in business partnerships, a representative of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, a representative of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, a representative of the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey, a representative of the New Jersey Technology Council, a representative of BioNJ, a representative of the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey, a representative of the New Jersey Association of State Colleges and Universities, a representative of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, and a representative of the New Jersey Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. The four members of the public must have backgrounds in higher education, public-private partnerships, private sector innovation, or a combination of those experiences. The Senate President, Assembly Speaker, Minority Leader of the Senate, and the Minority Leader of the General Assembly would each appoint one of these members. Under the bill, the commission will focus on higher education and business partnerships.