New Jersey Department of Labor Commissioner Harold Wirths said the department recently spent $1,600 in software that has saved New Jersey taxpayers $150 million in fraudulent payments.

It was one of several efforts he's spearheaded as the department commissioner, he said at the March 6 annual Hillsborough Economic and Business Development Commission dinner, at Royce Brook Golf Club.

About 120 guests, including local business leaders, area political representatives, and township officials participated in the event which also featured a presentation by Amanda Young, the labor department's business representative for Somerset County. Young spoke about several programs the department offers employers for hiring and training employees.

Wirths' anecdotes on the department's efforts also noted projects under way looking to reduce unemployment insurance fraud. He also pointed out state leaders raided the unemployment insurance fund of about $2.1 billion over a 10-year period, which led to higher insurance rates charged to employers.

"And that was done under Democratic and Republican leadership and legislatures," Wirths said.

But he said the deficit will be paid back to the fund by 2014, which will lead to lower unemployment insurance rates.