The New Jersey Senate passed a Republican lawmaker’s bill that would help address the nation’s shortage of qualified air traffic controllers by creating a student loan-redemption program.
The bill would also establish an aviation-education grant program to support drone training initiatives, the development of aviation degrees, participation in FAA training programs, and related research.
“Our nation is facing a serious shortage of qualified air traffic controllers that threatens safety, efficiency, and the reliability of our air space,” state Sen. Vince Polistina, R–Atlantic County, said in a release.
“By establishing this program, we can help remove a major financial barrier for those who are willing to step up and serve,” Polistina added. “Investing in the next generation of air traffic controllers is a commonsense way to strengthen aviation safety and support a workforce that is absolutely essential to our economy.”