05/02/2008
CONTACT: Laurie Ehlbeck, 609-989-8777 or Jason Brewer, 202-406-4435
TRENTON, N.J. -- The following is a statement by Laurie Ehlbeck, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business/New Jersey, reacting to Gov. Jon Corzine signature creating the new paid family leave law.
"We are disappointed Governor Corzine chose to sign this legislation and ignore the real-world experience of small business owners who have spoken out at great length about the difficulties this new law will create.
"This new law throws small business under the bus. Unlike federal law, this new mandate in New Jersey will not exempt small businesses with fewer than 50 employees -- meaning a an avalanche of new paperwork, red tape and headaches for our state's smallest businesses that are already struggling in this economy.
"Small business owners need flexible policies that better fit the needs of their employees and their business -- what may work for Wal-Mart doesn't always work on Main Street. Forcing small employers to adhere to a one-size-fits-all paid leave mandate will have a tremendously negative impact on the small business community in New Jersey.
"While there is never a right time for government to force a costly new mandate onto small business, it should be noted that now is definitely the wrong time. Higher fuel costs, soaring health insurance premiums and rising food and raw material prices are already pinching profits and making it difficult for many small employers to stay afloat. With so many challenges for small businesses to navigate, now is the wrong time to impose a costly new mandate that will make running a small business more difficult and more expensive."
