“Working families in New Jersey will be much better off because their leaders are putting in place a smart, reasonable paid family leave law that will benefit both employees and employers.  We thank Governor Jon Corzine, and every legislator who supported this measure for having the courage and wisdom to withstand the threats and scare tactics used by business interests that opposed the bill.  Its enactment makes this a very a good day for New Jersey.

The National Partnership for Women & Families congratulates all our partners, including the New Jersey Time to Care coalition for this great victory. 

The state’s new law will expand the state’s temporary disability insurance program to provide workers with up to six weeks of family leave benefits to care for a sick family member or a newborn or newly adopted child.  It provides temporary disability insurance benefits at two-thirds of wage replacement up to a maximum of $524 per week in 2008.  It will be financed by a small employee payroll deduction. 

California’s paid leave law took effect in 2004; it also provides six weeks of partial pay to workers who take family leave, and is funded through the state’s disability insurance program.  Washington State passed a paid family leave law last May.  New Jersey is the third state to pass paid family leave, but it will not be the last.  We expect the progress to continue from here.”