Philip Kirschner, president of the NJ Business & Industry Association, issued the following statement on the Assembly Appropriations Committee releasing A-873 (Albano)/S-876 (Sweeney, Buono) today:

“It is incredible that as New Jersey enters what is likely the beginning of a recession, New Jersey’s legislators would recklessly support this job-killing mandate and raise payroll taxes on New Jersey’s working men and women by $100 million.  New Jersey lost 9,200 jobs in January.  One would expect lawmakers to pursue policies to create jobs and strengthen the economy, not impose more obstacles to job growth.

“Don’t be fooled by amendments, this paid leave mandate would impact every business in the State regardless of size.  This bill would affect tens of thousands of small businesses with two to 49 employees that are exempt from existing unpaid leave laws.  And any employer who tries to permanently replace any employee who takes paid leave would risk a lawsuit and massive liability under federal law.

“I do want to thank the members of the committee who had the courage to look past the slogans and the labels and vote against this bill.  They understand the impact this onerous mandate will have on our economy.  Hopefully, more legislators will come to this conclusion before the economic damage becomes much deeper.”