New Jersey Assembly Bill AR51

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Adopts articles of impeachment concerning Robert Asaro-Angelo, Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development.

Impact

If passed, AR51 will formally initiate impeachment proceedings, subjecting Asaro-Angelo to potential removal from office. The articles emphasize his perceived negligence and the resulting severe economic consequences for more than two million residents who sought unemployment benefits during a critical time. Furthermore, the resolution underscores systemic failures within the Department of Labor and the need for effective leadership to restore confidence in the state's ability to address unemployment effectively.

Summary

Assembly Resolution 51 (AR51) proposes articles of impeachment against Robert Asaro-Angelo, the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development in New Jersey. The resolution outlines various failures attributed to the commissioner, particularly in response to the unemployment crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights his inability to reopen the Department of Labor offices for in-person services and his failure to address the backlog of unemployment claims that have left many residents struggling financially. The resolution calls for the presentation of these articles to the New Jersey Senate following a majority vote in the General Assembly.

Contention

The articles of impeachment delineate Asaro-Angelo's failures, including the decision to close One-Stop Career Centers and restrict access to vital support services. This has drawn criticism from legislators who argue that such decisions have further harmed New Jersey's economy and the residents reliant on those services. Additionally, the resolution suggests that the commissioner's conduct constitutes a violation of public trust, raising concerns about accountability in state leadership amidst a crisis.