Gottheimer Pushes For $500 'Back-To-Work' Bonus

FAIR LAWN, NJ — New Jersey Fifth District Congressman Josh Gottheimer stopped at Fair Lawn's Empress Diner on Monday, but it wasn't for an omelette.

Gottheimer announced his support for a $500 back-to-work bonus, which would use a portion of federal COVID-19 relief funds heading to New Jersey to incentivize unemployed residents to start a job by Aug. 1.

His location choice was symbolic, with Empress Diner struggling to find staff. The Fair Lawn staple — a third-generation family business — even had to cut hours of operation recently, and is no longer open 24 hours a day.

“It’s absolutely essential to connect unemployed Jersey workers with businesses in need and encourage workers to return,” said Gottheimer.

If implemented, the bonus program would award those who find employment by Aug. 1 with $500 if they keep that job until at least Sept. 1.

Gottheimer also sent a letter to the New Jersey Department of labor Commissioner, requesting that the state continue to enforce the requirement that workers receiving unemployment benefits are "actively searching for work," his office said.

"Despite our great progress, far too many people are still out of work, and more must be done to get our economy back to where it was pre-pandemic. It is essential to connect unemployed workers with businesses in need and encourage workers to return to the workplace, not only to re-energize New Jersey businesses, but also to help families with good-paying jobs," the letter read, in part.

Click here to read the full letter, and watch Gottheimer's news conference below:

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