June 28, 2021 — Legislation approved June 24 by the Senate and sponsored by Sen. Michael Testa (R-1st) would exempt commercial fishermen from a portion of the state unemployment tax.
“Currently, New Jersey’s commercial fishermen are on the hook for unemployment taxes, but they are not paid hourly wages, and they have never been able to collect unemployment benefits,” stated Testa. “This bill will have significant impact on the state’s vital fishing industry that has been extremely hard-hit by the pandemic.”
According to a release, Testa’s bill (S-3501) would exempt commercial fishermen who are paid on the percentage of fish caught or a percentage of the selling price of those fish from the state unemployment law and its costly tax on earnings.
“It will allow dedicated, skilled fishermen to keep more of their hard-earned income, a change that suits the independent nature of the proud individuals who make their living at sea,” Testa stated.