Norcross Statement on Camden’s Nation-Topping Employment Figures

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressmen Donald Norcross (NJ-01), a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, issued the following statement on Camden’s 3.7% increase in employment throughout the past year.

“Today is another good day for the residents of Camden. Job data shows that Camden continues to rise and its best days are ahead. In the past, Camden was portrayed as crime-ridden, but now it’s job-ridden,” said Rep. Norcross. “These numbers provide hard proof that we have entered new and exciting chapter in South Jersey. Camden is my hometown and the steadily-increasing job figures should encourage even more businesses to relocate to our vibrant area.”

He added: “We must continue to work together vigilantly and stay focused on economic opportunities in South Jersey. In Congress, I am committed to fighting for working families, including raising wages, providing equal pay for women and improving workplace conditions.”

The Camden metro division (which includes Burlington, Camden and Gloucester Counties, all of which are in Congressional District 1) had the highest percent increases in employment from February 2016 to February 2017, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Out of the 38 metro divisions in the nation, the Camden area is in the top spot, along with Dallas-Plano-Irving, and has seen a steady acceleration in gains over the past three years.

Since coming to Congress, Rep. Norcross has made job creation a top priority and has focused on bringing good-paying jobs to his home district. In April 2015, Norcross announced Camden City was selected as one of our country’s eight Promise Zones, which means the federal government has been focusing on accelerating local efforts to create jobs, increase economic activity, expand educational opportunities and reduce violent crime. Norcross additionally helped secure nearly $2 million from the U.S. Department of Labor on a project focused on helping Camden youth prepare for, find and keep jobs. Norcross has consistently promoted job growth, raising wages and economic development in the area; examples include his support of Subaru’s new headquarters, the Holtec project, the 76ers practice facility and a ton of new start-up companies and construction projects (with the most recent opening occurring this Tuesday in downtown Camden).

An International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) member and electrician by trade, Norcross has a long history of fighting for workers in South Jersey. He served as business agent, where he fought day in and day out to ensure workers had jobs, as an assistant business manager for IBEW Local 351 and as president of the Southern New Jersey AFL-CIO. In the state legislature, he led the fight to make college more affordable and expanded opportunities for local businesses.