Wagner Hails Federal Funding to Boost Small Businesses & Manufacturers

Sponsored Resolution Calling on Governor to Seek Funding Help

(38th Legislative District) - Assemblywoman Connie Wagner on Wednesday hailed New Jersey's receipt of $33.8 million in funding to expand and create jobs and strengthen state programs that support lending to small businesses and small manufacturers.

The U.S. Department of Treasury awarded the funding through the State Small Business Credit Initiative as part of the federal Small Business Jobs Act of 2010.

Wagner sponsored legislation (AR-124) approved 79-0 by the Assembly in November calling on the governor to apply for the funding.

"Job creation and jump-starting our economy is always a top priority, which is why I'm so pleased to see this funding be awarded to New Jersey," Wagner said.  "This money will leverage private lending to help finance small businesses and manufacturers that are creditworthy yet not getting the loans they need to expand and create jobs.  This will only help working families, and that's always a good thing."

Wagner sponsored the resolution as part of her ongoing efforts to improve the state's economy.  She has sponsored legislation to implement targeted job-creating tax breaks, retain the best and brightest New Jersey college graduates and promote alternative energy and green jobs.

"This funding is another piece of our ongoing efforts to create jobs and economic development and make New Jersey strong for working families," Wagner said.  "Strong small businesses and manufacturers can be the lifeblood of our state's economy, and we must always strive to position them to succeed so our workers will benefit."