TRENTON - Governor Jon S. Corzine today signed an
historic family leave insurance bill, propelling New
Jersey to become only the third state in the nation to
enact a family leave program for workers caring for
sick family members, newborn and newly-adopted
children. The state of California implemented its
program in 2004 while the state of Washington
passed legislation last year.
"This family leave insurance bill is personally
significant to me," said Governor Corzine. "When I
was in the hospital after my accident last spring, it
was the strong support from my family that kept me
going. I was fortunate my family members had the
flexibility to be there for me, day-in and day-out. But not
everyone has that luxury.
"I believe the daily reality of the lives of New Jersey
families makes this historic law a necessity. I am
confident this self-funded family insurance program
will improve family life, fill a gap in our social contract
with our citizens, and attract workers to this state.
More than ever, I am proud to sign this bill into law on
behalf of all working New Jerseyans."
The legislation extends the state's existing Temporary
Disability Insurance (TDI) program and permits up to
six weeks of insurance benefits for workers taking
leave to provide care certified to be necessary for a
family member.
