Bill Text: NJ AJR191 | 2026-2027 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Designates July 6 of each year as "Air Traffic Controller Appreciation Day" in New Jersey.
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2)
Status: (Introduced) 2026-09-10 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee [AJR191 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2026-AJR191-Introduced.html
No. 191
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
222nd LEGISLATURE
INTRODUCED SEPTEMBER 10, 20226
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman MAUREEN ROWAN
District 2 (Atlantic)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblyman Sampson
SYNOPSIS
Designates July 6 of each year as "Air Traffic Controller Appreciation Day" in New Jersey.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Joint Resolution designating July 6 of each year as "Air Traffic Controller Appreciation Day" in New Jersey.
Whereas, Over 50 million passengers in 400,000 flights and nearly a million tons of cargo travel through New Jersey's largest airports annually, which highlights the indispensability of aviation to the State's economy; and
Whereas, Air traffic controllers serve as the vigilant guardians of our nation's skies, ensuring the safe, orderly, and efficient movement of aircraft in an increasingly complex and high-volume aviation environment; and
Whereas, These highly trained professionals shoulder immense responsibility, making split-second decisions that affect millions of lives daily while managing heavy traffic volumes, variable weather conditions, complex airspace configurations, and rapidly evolving technologies; and
Whereas, Their work demands unwavering focus, exceptional cognitive abilities, and the capacity to perform under intense pressure, often during irregular hours and in environments where even minor errors can have life-altering consequences; and
Whereas, Air traffic controllers provide critical services at major international gateways in New Jersey, such as Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), as well as at other towered facilities across the State's 41 public-use airports, supporting aviation operations that drive economic growth, tourism, and connectivity; and
Whereas, According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the New York-Newark-Jersey City metropolitan area employs over a thousand air traffic controllers, underscoring the significant concentration of this vital workforce serving New Jersey's aviation needs; and
Whereas, New Jersey's controllers have demonstrated extraordinary dedication amid national staffing challenges, the fast pace of flight departure and arrival at busy hubs like Newark Liberty International Airport, and the need to maintain the highest standards of safety and efficiency to meet the demands of one of the world's busiest air corridors; and
Whereas, July 6 marks the anniversary of the establishment of the United States air traffic control system in 1936 by the Bureau of Air Commerce, a foundational milestone in American aviation history that led to the formal observance of National Air Traffic Control Day; and
Whereas, It is fitting and proper for the people of New Jersey to recognize the essential contributions of these professionals, highlight the difficulties inherent in their field, emphasize recruitment and retention needs, and express the gratitude for their steadfast service that underpins public safety and economic vitality by designating July 6 as a day of appreciation; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. July 6 of each year is designated as "Air Traffic Controller Appreciation Day" in New Jersey.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon the public officials and citizens of this State to observe "Air Traffic Controller Appreciation Day" with appropriate events and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This joint resolution designates July 6 of each year as "Air Traffic Controller Appreciation Day" in New Jersey.
Air traffic controllers ensure the safe, orderly, and efficient movement of aircraft. These highly trained professionals shoulder immense responsibility, making split-second decisions that affect millions of lives daily while managing heavy traffic volumes, variable weather conditions, complex airspace configurations, rapidly evolving technologies, and the demands of one of the world's busiest air corridors. Their work demands unwavering focus, exceptional cognitive abilities, and the capacity to perform under intense pressure, often during irregular hours and in environments where even minor errors can have life-altering consequences.
In New Jersey, over a thousand air traffic controllers provide critical services at major international gateways, such as Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), as well as at other public-use airports. New Jersey's controllers have demonstrated extraordinary dedication amid national staffing challenges, the fast pace of flight departure and arrival at busy hubs like Newark Liberty International Airport, and the need to maintain the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
July 6 marks the anniversary of the establishment of the United States air traffic control system in 1936 by the Bureau of Air Commerce, a foundational milestone in American aviation history that led to the formal observance of National Air Traffic Control Day. Designating July 6 as a day of appreciation for air traffic controllers provides an opportunity to recognize the essential contributions of these professionals, highlight the difficulties inherent in their field, raise awareness of recruitment and retention needs, and express the gratitude of the people of New Jersey for their steadfast service that underpins public safety and economic vitality.
