Greenstein, Mukherji Bill to Create a Public Service Resume Bank for Disabled Individuals Advances

TRENTON – The Senate Labor Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senators Linda Greenstein and Raj Mukherji, which would create a resume bank for certain persons with disabilities concerning appointments to boards, commissions, and authorities.

Under the bill, S-2671, the Governor would establish and maintain a voluntary resume bank for individuals with a disability who wish to be appointed to a state board, commission, authority, or a similar state entity that provides for the appointment of private citizens into its membership, which entities would include special committees, councils, and task forces. The Governor would maintain an Internet webpage that lists available appointments within such entities.

“Ensuring representation for individuals with disabilities in public sector leadership roles is a crucial step in building a more inclusive and equitable New Jersey,” said Senator Greenstein (D-Mercer/Middlesex). “This legislation would help to remove some of the barriers disabled people face that may prevent them from applying to serve on various boards, commissions, or authorities.”

The bill would provide that the resume bank would be accessible to the executive branch and the Legislature. The resume bank would also contain features permitting individuals with a disability to upload or submit their resumes to the bank. Finally, the resume bank would contain the following information:

·    The resume of an individual with a disability who wishes to be appointed to a State board or commission

·    The name, address, and telephone number of the individual with a disability

·    Any pertinent information related to the individual’s disability

·    Any pertinent information as to particular State boards, commissions, authorities, and other similar State entities that are of interest to the individual with a disability