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New Jersey Business Association Urges Lawmakers to Embrace AI as Economic Growth Driver
On June 9, the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) took the floor before the Senate Higher Education and Senate Labor committees to argue that artificial intelligence is a net economic opportunity for the state.
Vice President of Government Affairs Althea D. Ford and Research Analyst Jack Ramirez warned that entry‑level roles are shifting and that workers will need both technical and human skills. They cautioned that overly restrictive policies could push New Jersey behind its competitors.
Workforce preparation was the centerpiece of the testimony. The speakers urged tighter collaboration among businesses, universities, community colleges and policymakers to align training with employer needs. They highlighted the New Jersey Institute of Technology’s AI Literacy Microcredential, which is open to all majors and covers practical AI use, ethics and responsible deployment. Princeton, Rowan and Rutgers universities are also expanding AI‑related coursework, certificate programs and research opportunities.
County colleges are stepping up as well. The County College of Morris received the state’s first U.S. Department of Labor‑Registered Data Scientist AI Apprenticeship grant. In addition, the Lumina Foundation’s FutureReady States program—coordinated by the NJ Council of County Colleges—provides a framework for identifying, measuring and scaling workforce credentials that match emerging labor‑market demands.
Economic data cited in the testimony supports AI as a job creator. Morgan Stanley Research reported that U.S. companies experienced a 2 % net gain in jobs over the past 12 months as AI adoption created new positions that outpaced eliminations. A Brookings Institution synthesis found that firms investing in AI grew 20 % faster in sales over a decade compared with non‑investors, and that growth was accompanied by a proportional increase in employee headcount.
Ford and Ramirez also noted that nearly 90 % of all AI‑related job postings come from just 1 % of firms. They urged lawmakers to ensure small and medium‑sized businesses have access to AI tools, training and resources so they can compete and create jobs across New Jersey’s communities.
Regarding policy, the speakers called for a balanced approach that protects workers while encouraging investment, entrepreneurship and growth. They questioned whether New Jersey would shape the AI future or allow it to unfold elsewhere, suggesting that sensible safeguards could coexist with a vibrant innovation ecosystem.
The full testimony is available in PDF form on the NJBIA website.
The NJBIA’s stance reflects the broader context of New Jersey’s technology ecosystem. The state hosts a large employer association—over 20,000 member companies—and has recently launched initiatives such as the NJ AI Hub, a partnership between Princeton University, the state and private firms to drive AI adoption and talent development.
In summary, the association’s message is clear: AI should be embraced as a catalyst for economic growth, with investment in workforce development and thoughtful regulation to ensure that New Jersey’s businesses and workers benefit from the technology.
The next steps for lawmakers include reviewing the testimony, considering funding for AI training programs, and evaluating regulatory proposals that balance innovation with worker protection.
Vice President of Government Affairs Althea D. Ford and Research Analyst Jack Ramirez warned that entry‑level roles are shifting and that workers will need both technical and human skills. They cautioned that overly restrictive policies could push New Jersey behind its competitors.
Workforce preparation was the centerpiece of the testimony. The speakers urged tighter collaboration among businesses, universities, community colleges and policymakers to align training with employer needs. They highlighted the New Jersey Institute of Technology’s AI Literacy Microcredential, which is open to all majors and covers practical AI use, ethics and responsible deployment. Princeton, Rowan and Rutgers universities are also expanding AI‑related coursework, certificate programs and research opportunities.
County colleges are stepping up as well. The County College of Morris received the state’s first U.S. Department of Labor‑Registered Data Scientist AI Apprenticeship grant. In addition, the Lumina Foundation’s FutureReady States program—coordinated by the NJ Council of County Colleges—provides a framework for identifying, measuring and scaling workforce credentials that match emerging labor‑market demands.
Economic data cited in the testimony supports AI as a job creator. Morgan Stanley Research reported that U.S. companies experienced a 2 % net gain in jobs over the past 12 months as AI adoption created new positions that outpaced eliminations. A Brookings Institution synthesis found that firms investing in AI grew 20 % faster in sales over a decade compared with non‑investors, and that growth was accompanied by a proportional increase in employee headcount.
Ford and Ramirez also noted that nearly 90 % of all AI‑related job postings come from just 1 % of firms. They urged lawmakers to ensure small and medium‑sized businesses have access to AI tools, training and resources so they can compete and create jobs across New Jersey’s communities.
Regarding policy, the speakers called for a balanced approach that protects workers while encouraging investment, entrepreneurship and growth. They questioned whether New Jersey would shape the AI future or allow it to unfold elsewhere, suggesting that sensible safeguards could coexist with a vibrant innovation ecosystem.
The full testimony is available in PDF form on the NJBIA website.
The NJBIA’s stance reflects the broader context of New Jersey’s technology ecosystem. The state hosts a large employer association—over 20,000 member companies—and has recently launched initiatives such as the NJ AI Hub, a partnership between Princeton University, the state and private firms to drive AI adoption and talent development.
In summary, the association’s message is clear: AI should be embraced as a catalyst for economic growth, with investment in workforce development and thoughtful regulation to ensure that New Jersey’s businesses and workers benefit from the technology.
The next steps for lawmakers include reviewing the testimony, considering funding for AI training programs, and evaluating regulatory proposals that balance innovation with worker protection.
