ASSEMBLY HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION No. 217

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  DECEMBER 9, 2021

      The Assembly Human Services Committee reports favorably Assembly Resolution No. 217.

     This resolution recognizes the essential work performed by individuals with disabilities or who are blind during the 2020 pandemic.

     The current coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has required the continuation of essential services throughout the pandemic, especially in areas where most businesses and government buildings have closed.  Essential services include performing daily janitorial services deep cleaning and sanitizing services, emergency cleaning, document management, document pickup and shredding, supporting State efforts to establish temporary hospitals, and sourcing and providing other essential supplies and services necessary for State operations across many State and local government locations and buildings. 

     Essential services are performed in large part by essential workers with disabilities or who are blind.  The State has recognized the importance of these essential service jobs by passing laws that support the hiring of individuals with disabilities or who are blind to fill the need for essential services.  The essential workforce is vital to the economy of the State of New Jersey and these essential jobs are vital to the personal economies and well-being of the essential workforce.  Essential workers that have disabilities or are blind play a central and invaluable role in protecting the State of New Jersey and have continued to perform their regular duties and more throughout the pandemic and therefore, it is proper and fitting that this State recognizes these workers for their hard work, dedication, and sacrifice.