A recent article highlights growing concerns among Americans about health and economic security as funding for federal agencies and essential programs is slashed. In New Jersey, legislators are urged to expand job-protected family leave to ensure economic security and access to care for workers. While New Jersey’s paid family leave program offers 12 weeks of benefits at 85% of wages, it lacks job protection for all workers. A pending bill could expand job protection to more workers, but disparities persist, with higher-earning, white workers more likely to have access to paid leave benefits. Lack of job protection perpetuates unequal access to paid leave, with workers of color expressing more concern about job loss when taking leave. Access to paid leave has proven health benefits for mothers and babies, and ensuring job protection is crucial, especially in addressing the Black maternal health crisis in New Jersey. Governor Phil Murphy’s proposal to ensure full pay for state workers on parental leave acknowledges the importance of paid leave for health outcomes. Expanding job-protected family leave in New Jersey is essential to improving economic security for all families.
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