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TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Bob Smith which will permit the creation of sick leave banks for school employees was signed into law today by Governor Corzine.

“New Jersey has consistently stood up for working men and women by adopting labor protections and other workplace safety measures,” said Senator Smith, D-Middlesex and Somerset. “This new law is part of our State’s rich, pro-labor legacy, and will allow school workers to bank sick time in the event of a catastrophic illness or injury. This law provides the needed safety net for those school employees who worry about the financial securities of their families, should they become unable to work.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Bob Smith which would permit the creation of sick leave banks for school employees was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 38-0, receiving final legislative approval.

“Often, when employees get sick or hurt, and are forced to take extended leave from their jobs, their families may face a serious economic crisis, trying to balance mounting health care bills against the lack of income,” said Senator Smith, D-Middlesex and Somerset. “Sick leave banks give employees the added security that, should they need extra time, they have a tool to protect themselves and their families. New Jersey’s school boards should pave the way for the adoption of sick leave banks, and stand as an example for private business to follow.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Bob Smith which would permit the creation of sick leave banks for school employees was approved today by the Senate Education Committee by a vote of 4-0.

“A sick leave bank is a great idea to help employees prepare for the unexpected,” said Senator Smith, D-Middlesex and Somerset. “Often, when an employee falls seriously ill or becomes seriously injured and needs to take extended time-off to recover, the normal amount of sick leave allotted to each employee isn’t enough. Through this bill, they will have extended leave, voluntarily donated by their coworkers, at their disposal to focus on their health, not the health of their wallets.”