January 2019 | Joel C. Cantor | Family-friendly laws help us all. Here’s what Murphy can do to improve our quality of life
A raft of new laws, policies, and investments this year will go a long way toward helping all New Jersey families live healthier lives. Consider:
- Last month, more than a million New Jerseyans gained access to paid sick leave benefits, thanks to a new state law requiring most employers to provide earned sick days for full-time and part-time workers.
- For the first time, the state budget for the fiscal year that began July 1 includes a state tax credit to help middle-class and working families who are burdened by child care costs or who are primary caretakers for an aging parent or grandparent. The tax credit applies to households with annual incomes of less than $60,000.
- In September, Gov. Phil Murphy announced $20.6 million in expanded preschool funding to benefit more than 2,000 3-and-4-year-olds in 31 school districts serving low income areas.
- The Murphy administration also recently announced $38 million in increased child care subsidies to help working families afford quality child care.
- Legislation that would double paid family leave to 12 weeks from six is was passed in an Assembly committee and awaits a vote by the full body. The bill would also increase the maximum weekly payment to 90 percent of pay or $1,195 per week.