Sweeney Announces Formation Of Senate Manufacturing Caucus At NJBIA Forum

New Caucus Will Focus on Legislation to Increase Manufacturing Jobs

East Windsor – Senate President Steve Sweeney today announced the formation of a Senate Manufacturing Caucus during a discussion with business leaders from across New Jersey at the New Jersey Business and Industry Association’s “Meet the Decision Makers” event.

Senator Sweeney said the new caucus will be chaired by Senator Bob Gordon and will be tasked with developing legislation and strategies to make New Jersey more competitive for manufacturers to expand and locate their operations in New Jersey.

“Thank you to the NJBIA for inviting me to participate in this important discussion,” said Senator Sweeney. “They continue to be a committed partner to advancing important policies to improve New Jersey’s economic competitiveness.  I specifically wanted to make the announcement about the manufacturing caucus, at this event, because I believe the NJBIA is uniquely positioned to help the new Senate caucus carry out its mission.”

Among the topics discussed today were efforts lead by the Senate President to create jobs and grow the economy through the $2 billion annual renewal of the Transportation Trust Fund, various job training initiatives and the benefits of recent tax cuts including a phase out of the estate tax.  Joining the Senate President at today’s event were dozens of executives and representatives from many of the NJBIA’s 20,000-member organizations.

Senator Sweeney said he chose Senator Gordon to chair the new Manufacturing Caucus because of his extensive legislative experience and personal history managing a family-owned textile mill in Paterson.  Equipped with ten years of experience working with major consulting firms on projects related to business strategy and business process re-engineering, Senator Gordon said he is looking forward to leading the effort.

“I thank the Senate President for this responsibility and I want business owners across our state to know that I am committed to advocating on their behalf and delivering legislation that increases productivity and growth in the manufacturing sector of our economy,” Senator Gordon said.