Christie Signs STEM, Crowdfunding Bills
The New Jersey Business and Industry Association sent out this list of bills they supported that were signed by the Governor when he stopped by the State last week. Most of these bills involved support for entrepreneurs or STEM education.
Easing Crowdfunding Regulations
November 9, 2015 (S-712/A-2073)
New Jersey businesses will be able to take advantage of intrastate crowdfunding opportunities under this new law. Given certain restrictions, businesses seeking crowdfunding investments will no longer have to register with the NJ Bureau of Securities, allowing small, privately owned businesses to receive capital needed to boost their startup.
Boosting Engineering Education
December 11, 2015 (S-2513/A-1468)
Engineering education for K-12 students will get a boost with a new task force to recommend how to incorporate the subject into the existing science standards and offer suggestions for curriculum. The Legislature concurred with the Governor’s recommendations. The Task Force on Engineering Curriculum and Instruction will review the state’s Core Curriculum Content to develop innovative ways to teach engineering to public school students.
Encouraging Computer Science Education
January 19, 2016 (S-2161/A-2597)
Students will be able to use Advanced Placement computer science courses to satisfy a part of the mathematics credits required for high school graduation. Governor Christie signed a bill that will increase emphasis and value of computer science classes, which would help bolster STEM education in general. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) are critical for maintaining a skilled workforce and attracting high-tech, innovative companies. Meeting the demands of our high tech industries and the increasing digital economy requires the state to place a greater focus on computer literacy.
Launching a Technology Research Fellowship
January 19, 2016 (S-2442/A-3891)
A portion of existing workforce development funding will go to create the New Jersey Innovation and Research Fellowship Program, which will bolster the state’s innovation ecosystem by increasing technological research. A research fellowship program will help companies devote more time and energy to support industry research and development.
