Adopts articles of impeachment concerning Robert Asaro-Angelo, Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development.
The resolution posits that the actions and inactions of Commissioner Asaro-Angelo have been detrimental to the economic well-being of the state, as they hindered vulnerable workers from receiving benefits and support during a time of unprecedented unemployment. By noting that there are still significant challenges two years after the pandemic began, the bill emphasizes the urgent need for effective leadership in managing labor-related issues. It highlights how these failures have contributed to a broader economic impact, affecting not only claimants but also their families and the overall state economy.
Assembly Resolution AR123 proposes the impeachment of Robert Asaro-Angelo, the Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) in New Jersey. The bill outlines various failures attributed to Commissioner Asaro-Angelo, particularly concerning his management of the state's unemployment crisis, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The resolution claims that his inability to efficiently process unemployment claims and to provide in-person services has caused significant hardship for New Jersey residents, leading to a backlog of claims and diminished access to essential assistance.
Notably, the resolution stresses that Commissioner Asaro-Angelo's policies may have violated the public trust, a serious assertion in the public sphere. Specific complaints include his failure to communicate job market statistics timely and the closing of One-Stop Career Centers, which are vital for in-person employment support. These failures are positioned as incompatible with the responsibilities of the commissioner, raising questions about accountability and effective governance in labor management during crises. The resolution seeks to restore public confidence in the state's ability to manage employment dynamics responsibly.