Problem

According to a 2018 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, service-connected disabled veterans had an unemployment rate of 5.2 percent in August, 1.4 percent higher than the national unemployment rate.

Fortunately, many institutions have developed specific programs and services designed to enhance veteran success in higher education. These programs are specifically designed to help veterans thrive in civilian life.

Despite federal education benefits, service disabled veterans still face barriers from accessing these programs. One barrier preventing veterans from taking advantage of these programs is overall cost, especially for those veterans who have not lived in New Jersey for long enough to qualify for in-state tuition.

Solution

This law qualifies any veteran that has received a discharge that is other than dishonorable and has a service-connected disability rating of at least 10% from the Department of Veterans Affairs for in-state tuition at New Jersey public institutions of higher education, regardless of how long that individual has lived in New Jersey.

By removing such an expensive barrier to higher education, this bill opens more doors to job training and career advancement opportunities for a vulnerable population. With more easily available resources, service-connected disabled veterans can increase their ability to succeed in civilian society.

Problem

The amount of student loan debt in our country and state is at crisis level. Some 44 million Americans carry student loans totaling more than $1.5 trillion, and in 2016 someone defaulted on a student loan every 28 seconds. In Massachusetts, roughly 855,000 residents owe $33 billion in student loans (107% growth from 2007-2017) and nearly 95,000 residents in Massachusetts are delinquent on student loan payments. To make matters worse, Education Secretary DeVos has rolled back protective provisions included in the Obama Administration’s Student Aid Bill of rights, such as holding loan servicers accountable for providing accurate information to borrowers about their debt, and preventing loan servicers from slapping excessive fees on borrowers.

Solution

My bill works to beef up the Attorney General’s Student Loan Assistance Unit, create a student loan ombudsman and give that position the teeth to defend the interests of student borrowers. The ombudsman would ensure that student borrowers are notified of their rights and are not getting cheated. The ombudsman would also be responsible for helping borrowers explore repayment options, apply for income-driven plans, avoid or remove a default, end wage garnishments, resolve billing disputes, obtain loan details and stop harassing phone calls. My bill works to create a one-stop customer service, giving students a place to get questions answered and to send complaints. There would finally be a dedicated advocate for students and their families.

Problem

There are several industries in New Jersey that are experiencing a shortage of qualified workers. These in-demand industries – such as nursing, manufacturing, construction trades, and transportation logistics – offer secure, well-paying jobs. In July 2019, New Jersey added 1,600 jobs in trade, transportation, and utilities, 1,200 jobs in manufacturing, and 500 jobs in construction.

At the same time, almost one million New Jersey residents reported living with income levels below the federal poverty line last year. That does not account for a living wage and New Jersey’s above-average cost of living.

Solution

New Jersey boasts some of the best career and technical education programs in the country. However, these programs might not be accessible to all students based on where they live.

Under this bill, community colleges and school districts that currently lack vocational training programs can directly benefit a partnership with an existing program. Existing career and technical education programs know what works and what does not, and how to best meet students’ and industries’ needs.

By fostering this kind of partnership, schools can create programs that strengthen and expand New Jersey’s network of career and technical education programs, and bring valuable job training opportunities closer to the people who need them most.