New Jersey mulls bill to encourage businesses to give extra PTO to parents
In return, employers that take part would be granted a tax credit to offset the loss.
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There is a bill working through the New Jersey Legislature that would allow parents two more paid days off in order to take part in a school activity with their children.
It might be for a parent-teacher conference, graduation or a field trip. In return, employers that take part would be granted a tax credit to offset the loss.
News 12 spoke to mother Erin Kelly, who was walking with her child in Highland Park. She said she was taking time off from work today because her day care is closed.
Kelly says she works full time at Rutgers University.
“The national conversation has been about pro-natalist policies, but what we really need are pro-family policies that support children and their parents after they’re born. Having more time off that is compensated makes sense as long as there are no repercussions for workers,” said Kelly.
So far, the New Jersey Business and Industry Association has come out in favor of the plan because employers could opt in or out. If it means more time for family, one would have trouble finding parents in disagreement.
“If the company needs the money, sure, but it’s really about helping the family unit,” said parent Margaret Lymberis. “We want lots of people to have families, but they make it hard for us.”
The bill is now up for a full vote in the state Senate.
