SENATE BUDGET AND APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 2764

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 13, 2023

      The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 2764.

     This bill establishes the “VETeach Pilot Program” in the Department of Education.  The purpose of the pilot program is to address the shortage of certified public school teachers by taking advantage of the qualified workforce represented by the State’s veterans.

     Under the pilot program, Rowan University will enroll, in a 36-month teacher preparation program, veterans who served in the armed forces on or after September 11, 2001.  The program will lead to a baccalaureate degree and completion of the requirements necessary to apply to the State Board of Examiners for a certificate of eligibility with advanced standing, which will authorize the veteran to seek employment as a teacher in grades kindergarten through eight, and in certain secondary education fields.

     The “VETeach Pilot Program” will provide veterans with a path to education and employment.  Veterans will be able to obtain higher education and employment opportunities, while filling a critical shortage in the teaching profession.  The program may also serve to attract a greater number of men and minorities, groups which are currently underrepresented in the teaching profession.

FISCAL IMPACT:

      The Office of Legislative Services (OLS) estimates that this bill would lead to an annual increase in State expenditures over the four-year duration of the VETeach Pilot Program.  The increase in State expenditures, excluding administrative costs, would correspond to a revenue gain for Rowan University.

      The OLS finds the costs of the program to be indeterminate and contingent on the size of the cohort of students enrolled under the pilot program.