Philip Kirschner, president of the NJ Business & Industry Association, issued the following statement on the Assembly vote for A-873 (Albano)/S-786 (Sweeney, Buono) today:

"At a time when New Jersey is facing steep cuts in spending and the elimination of government programs, it is irresponsible to pass this costly new benefits program.  As New Jersey faces what is likely the beginning of a recession, it is reckless to impose this job-killing mandate on business, and a $100 million payroll tax increase on New Jersey’s working men and women.

"Members of the Assembly should look past the labels and the slogans and vote no on the paid leave mandate.  New Jersey lost 9,200 jobs in January. 

"We should work to improve our economy to create jobs, not impose more obstacles to job growth.  We should pursue policies that support small businesses that are already struggling with high costs and a stagnant economy not put more obstacles in front of them.  This bill would affect tens of thousands of small businesses with two to 49 employees that are exempt from existing unpaid leave laws.  There is no small business exemption.

"I urge our lawmakers to recognize the impact this onerous mandate will have on our economy and stop it before the economic damage becomes much deeper."