Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean (R-21) issued the following statement today after Governor Corzine signed the Paid Family Leave bill into law:

"While there is nothing more important than being there for our families and loved ones in times of need, the Paid Family Leave law unfortunately will do New Jersey families more harm than good. When jobs are fleeing New Jersey in record numbers and the economy is slowing, we simply cannot afford a new tax on every employee. In theory, it's a good idea to let workers take six weeks' paid leave any time they need to care for a sick relative or a newborn child. However, in practice many workers will not take leave even though they will be required to pay the new tax.

"Legislative officials estimate the payroll tax will cost workers $130 million per year. This is yet one more deduction from employee paychecks -- one more tax out of dozens that New Jersey residents must pay.

"Additionally, this new law will severely hamper New Jersey's ability to compete with neighboring states for employers and jobs. We cannot keep putting obstacles in the way of the business community, then scratch our heads and wonder why businesses are packing up and moving to neighboring states that have less regulation. New Jersey needs to attract employers, not drive them out. Paid family leave is an issue that needs to be addressed at the federal level, so states that offer the benefit aren't penalized with a loss of businesses and jobs."