New Jersey Assembly Bill A2698

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/14/22
• Refer: 2/14/22

Caption

Provides STEM graduate retention tax credit for certain employers who pay certain employees' education loan debt.

Impact

If A2698 is enacted, it would establish new provisions under the corporation business tax and gross income tax systems to allow credits up to $5,000 per qualified employee, applied to employers who pay for their employees' qualified education loan debt. This move is expected to ameliorate the financial burden on both graduates and employers, potentially leading to increased economic contributions from skilled workers who would otherwise leave the state. The Higher Education Student Assistance Authority is tasked with developing recruitment strategies to certify and assist in placing these qualified graduates into roles that benefit the local economy.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2698 introduces a tax credit for employers in New Jersey who pay off the education loan debt of their full-time employees who have earned degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) from public institutions within the state. The bill is designed to offer a financial incentive to retain STEM graduates as a measure to combat the emigration of young, skilled workers from New Jersey, which has been identified as a growing concern for the state's economic health. By facilitating the repayment of these student loans, the bill anticipates fostering a stable workforce aligned with the needs of New Jersey's rapidly developing industries.

Contention

While proponents see potential economic benefits in retaining talent and addressing the challenges posed by an aging workforce, critics may argue that financial incentives alone may not adequately address the broader issues affecting education and employment within the state. Concerns related to the long-term sustainability of such tax credits and their effectiveness in drawing talent back to New Jersey are expected to be a topic of discussion among lawmakers and stakeholders. Furthermore, the implications for balancing state revenues against tax incentives are likely to be weighed carefully during legislative deliberations.