In addition to pushing for a $15 minimum wage, Gov. Phil Murphy is also expected to pursue a number of other issues that did not make headway under former Gov. Chris Christie’s tenure as governor. Here’s a look at two key issues that would impact New Jersey small business owners.
Paid Family Leave Expansion
Under bill A4927, the state’s paid leave law would have extended to workers caring for a new child or a sick relative, the eligibility period for leave would have doubled (to 12 weeks from six), the cap on wage reimbursements would have been increased, and the definition of ‘relative’ would have been expanded to siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, and parents-in-law, all of whom are not currently eligible for leave.
The Office of Legislative Services estimated that expansion would have increased state benefits payouts by approximately $147.3 million per year, and Gov. Christie vetoed the bill because of the cost to taxpayers. While it’s unclear at this time what paid leave expansion legislation may be put forth, Gov. Murphy supports these efforts.
Equal Pay
Former Gov. Christie vetoed bill S992 because he said it would go beyond federal standards and make the state unfriendly to businesses, but Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg has said she plans to bring it back.
Under the measure, employers would be barred from paying one sex less than another for substantially similar work. In cases of different pay rates, employers would have to prove that the differential is based on training, education, experience, or production quality; in wage discrimination cases, employees would be eligible to receive unlimited backpay.
