New Jersey lawmakers poised to offer 6 weeks of paid leave to workers caring for relatives

[flashl]

TRENTON, N.J.: New Jersey may be poised to become the third state to require companies to offer six weeks of paid leave to workers wishing to care for a new child or sick relative.

The Assembly approved the Democratic plan last month and Democratic Gov. Jon S. Corzine supports it, but the measure is opposed by Republicans and business groups. The Senate was to consider it Monday and it is expected to pass.

Under the plan, which is backed heavily by organized labor, parents could take paid leave anytime in the first year after a child's birth or adoption.

Workers would be allowed to take paid leave to care for a sick relative receiving inpatient care in a medical care facility or under continuing supervision from a health care provider. A health provider could also certify a sick relative needs help at home.

IHT

[wain]

1. It's a a nice idea, but the timing could be better

With a recession and corporations already downsizing, outsourcing and moving out of the state. Plus, the state has a big budget balancing problem, a big pension underfunding problem and an already high property and income tax.