Home>Articles>Statements on expansion of paid family leave

New Jersey State Capital

Statements on expansion of paid family leave

By David Wildstein, February 19 2019 4:40 pm

GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY

“No one should ever be forced to choose between caring for a family member and earning a paycheck.  By providing the most expansive paid family leave time and benefits in the nation, we are ensuring that New Jerseyans no longer have to face such a decision and that working families are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. This comprehensive paid family leave program, coupled with the newly passed earned sick leave and minimum wage increase, are fundamental elements in building a stronger and fairer New Jersey for all working families.”

SENATE PRESIDENT STEVE SWEENEY

“This will put New Jersey in the forefront of the Nation with a paid leave program that serves the needs of families and is good for businessesPaid leave can ease financial burdens and provide peace of mind for working families at critical times in their lives. Caring for a newborn child or a loved one with a serious illness can be a real challenge for those who can’t afford to lose their paychecks for an extended amount of time.”

ASSEMBLY SPEAKER CRAIG COUGHLIN

“Too many people must choose between their family responsibilities and their paychecks.

“The expansion of paid family leave will provide families and individuals across our state with a better quality of life and the time and resources necessary to care for others.

“As we move to make New Jersey more affordable and resources more accessible, paid family leave will play an instrumental role in improving the lives of workers and building a future for themselves and for their kids.”

SENATOR PATRICK DIEGNAN

“The expansion of the family leave program will provide greater security for a larger number of working families, who shouldn’t be forced to choose between caring for their loved ones and earning a paycheck. This is a compassionate program with real life benefits for those in need.”

SENATOR TERESA RUIZ

“Many of us have been working on aspects of paid family leave for a long time. For me, as a new parent, I was keenly aware of the areas where we could improve the resources available. Expanding the state’s paid family leave program will allow more new parents to take time off from work to bond with their newborn without having to sacrifice their financial stability.”

NEW JERSEY AFL-CIO PRESIDENT CHARLES WOWKANECH

“The New Jersey State AFL-CIO was proud to lead the fight for our state’s paid family leave program more than a decade ago.  And today, we’re proud once again as our fight has led to an improved program that benefits all New Jersey’s working families.”

“New Jersey is one of only five states, along with the District of Columbia, with paid family leave. By improving wage replacement rates and doubling the length of leave from six weeks to 12 weeks, this new bill will allow more New Jerseyans to take advantage of the program.”

“The New Jersey State AFL-CIO is grateful for Governor Murphy, Senate President Sweeney, and Assemblywoman Quijano’s bold leadership and commitment to ensuring New Jerseyans can utilize this essential benefit to care for an ailing family member or a newborn child. We also thank our affiliated unions, the legislators that voted in favor of this bill, and our labor candidates and community partners for spearheading the fight for Paid Family Leave. Without their advocacy, we would not have achieved this victory for New Jersey’s working families.”

YARROW WILLIAMS-COLE, CENTER FOR WOMEN AND WORK AT RUTGERS SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT AND LABOR RELATIONS

“The changes signed into law today make it possible for many more New Jersey workers to take time off to  care for their loved ones or bond with children during moments of crisis or connection without fear of falling into poverty.”

Spread the news:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *