There’s no let-up in the surge in hiring. New Jersey-based ADP said Wednesday that private companies across the U.S. added 455,000 new jobs this month. That was in line with expectations and comes a few days before the closely watched monthly employment report from the federal government. A separate report shows there are still more job openings than there are people to fill them and millions of people are still quitting their jobs each month.
Meantime New Jersey employers are gearing up for seasonal hiring. For instance, Home Depot said it’s looking to fill more than 1,100 full- and part-time positions for its busy spring season.
The state labor department has announced that extended unemployment benefits will come to an end next month. Some 20,000 unemployed workers in New Jersey are currently receiving those benefits, which were paid out during the pandemic when unemployment in the state was high. The extended unemployment benefits program, which has paid $1.3 billion to claimants since July 2020, will end on April 9.
New Jerseyans could get a break on their state taxes if they make contributions to retirement savings plans, under a bill working its way through the Legislature. Currrently, net taxable income is reduced if you contribute to a 401(k) plan. But the legislation would expand the tax benefit to other federally recognized retirement savings plans like 403(b)s and IRAs. You can read more here.
Finally, March Madness has been great for Saint Peter’s University’s finances, as the NCAA men’s basketball tournament sparked interest from donors. According to Bloomberg, donors pledged or gave close to $2.3 million to the school from March 9 through last Saturday, a 278% increase over last year’s pledges.
