On February 9, 2009, the Senate Labor Committee unanimously passed a bill (S-2450) that would create a task force to address the needs of older workers. The task force is responsible for studying, evaluating, and making recommendations relating to senior citizens in four key areas: (1) assessing the needs and challenges of older workers to remain active in the workforce beyond the traditional retirement age; (2) identifying barriers impeding senior citizens from reentering the workforce or obstacles confronting first-time older workers; (3) investigating workplace age discrimination and its impact on the development of the senior workforce; and (4) reviewing the needs of employers to attract and integrate senior citizens into the workplace environment. The task force must submit a report of its finding and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature within six months after its initial meeting.
Note: This article was published in the March 2009 issue of the New Jersey eAuthority.