Yesterday, Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) visited Warren County with focused visits on expanding affordable healthcare and improving New Jersey's workforce development pipeline as part of his Einstein Corridor initiative.

"I leave these visits inspired by the dedication I witnessed from those in Warren County who are training NJ's next generation of workers and pushing to ensure access to quality healthcare in some of our most rural communities," said Senator Kim. "There is so much unique potential in each corner of our state - I'm excited to bring the ideas discussed with me back to Washington as I work to make sure Warren County has the federal support it needs to thrive."

Healthcare

Senator Kim toured Atlantic Health Hackettstown Medical Center, a critical regional hospital for Warren County's residents. After meeting with Atlantic Health CEO, Saad Ehtisham, to discuss how Atlantic Health can assist in his goal of bringing affordable healthcare to all, Senator Kim toured the Emergency Department and heard from nurses and healthcare staff about the impact that Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill has had on their patients and the quality of care they are able to receive. Senator Kim also toured their Outpatient Behavioral Health Department and learned how their recent upgrades will benefit Warren County residents.

“Atlantic Health is proud to care for the people of Warren County and appreciates our ongoing partnership with Senator Kim on behalf of all the communities we serve across New Jersey,” said Saad Ehtisham, President and CEO, Atlantic Health. “Today was a valuable opportunity to share the work of our nationally recognized team at Atlantic Health Hackettstown Medical Center and engage in meaningful dialogue around healthcare affordability and access.”

Workforce Development

Senator Kim toured Warren County Community College's (WCCC) drone lab and unmanned aircraft system (UAS) program. Senator Kim personally experienced the outdoor drone flight training center with WCCC President Dr. Will Austin before he heard from students and faculty about ways their program is preparing students for jobs in next generation innovation, and what is needed to improve workforce development in aviation and emerging drone technologies.

Senator Kim held a roundtable discussion, where he was joined by Peter Connolly, President of New Jersey's Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP), and leading manufacturers from across the state. Together, they discussed ways New Jersey can better its workforce retention and development pipeline, improve apprentice opportunities and cooperation between state and federal partners, and the negative impact that President Trump's tariffs have had on their businesses.

“Tariffs, inflation, supply chain pressures, and workforce shortages are the most common concerns we hear from New Jersey manufacturers. This roundtable with Senator Kim and manufacturing leaders provided an important opportunity to discuss how these challenges are impacting companies differently and what manufacturers are doing to adapt," said Peter Connolly, CEO, NJMEP. "Whether through apprenticeship programs, stronger domestic supply chains, or continued investment in their operations, these conversations help ensure policymakers understand what manufacturers need to remain competitive and continue manufacturing here in New Jersey. Senator Kim has always been a big supporter of NJMEP and the MEP program itself.”

Senator Kim also toured the Commercial Solar Panel Recycling Center, New Jersey's first solar panel recycling plant, and the M&M Mars Factory in Hackettstown.

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