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New Jersey - Merrill Baumgardner Innovation in Information Technology Award

Tech Innovation Recognition Awarded to New Jersey

WASHINGTON – The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development was awarded the prestigious Merrill Baumgardner Innovation in Information Technology Award for both its UI Cyberfraud Prevention Solution and UI Claims Management System (ClaIMS). The award, presented by the National Association of State Workforce Agencies’ (NASWA) Technology Committee at the 2025 Winter Policy Forum in Washington, DC, recognizes states demonstrating excellence and innovation in information technology.

The UI Cyberfraud Prevention Solution combines innovative technology with program expertise to safeguard public funds. By expanding fraud detection capabilities and leveraging advanced analytics to mitigate threats, this solution has protected billions of dollars in fraudulent claims while ensuring benefits are delivered to eligible claimants.

ClaIMS modernized New Jersey’s UI claims processing infrastructure which streamlined the process for workers to file claims and provided a user-friendly, intuitive design. UI agents can process claims more efficiently, reducing delays for claimants.

“The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development has developed a pair of excellent solutions that have protected public funds and have simplified processes for claimants,” NASWA President and CEO Scott B. Sanders said. “These innovations reflect a commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration to solve challenges.”

“This award is a proud achievement for New Jersey, recognizing our state’s relentless pursuit to better serve workers by challenging the status quo of the unemployment insurance system and safeguarding against fraudulent claims,” said Robert Asaro-Angelo, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. “Enhancing user experience and protecting the integrity of our services through cutting-edge solutions have been the hallmarks of our work and have provided a model for our fellow states. This accolade further inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation.”

For more information, visit NASWA’s Winter Policy Forum and Technology Committee webpages.
 

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About the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (www.naswa.org): NASWA is the national organization representing all 50 state workforce agencies, District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. These agencies deliver training, employment, career, business, and wage and hour services, in addition to administering unemployment insurance, veteran reemployment, and labor market information programs. NASWA provides policy expertise, shares promising state practices, and promotes state innovation and leadership in workforce development.