New Jersey Citizen Action urges State Legislature, Governor Murphy to action to protect workers, families and NJ economy from pandemic

Trenton- New Jersey Citizen Action (NJCA) today praised the state Legislature for taking up legislation to protect New Jersey from the many hazards of the COVID-19 pandemic while urging both the Legislature and Governor Murphy to explore all possible options to prevent a massive healthcare crisis from turning into a full financial meltdown. NJCA recommended, among other measures, a moratorium on home foreclosure and rental eviction, tax deadline extensions for tax filers and assistance for enrolling state residents in affordable health care programs. Last week, as part of the New Jersey Time to Care Coalition, NJCA urged the comprehensive expansion of paid leave policies and robust government outreach on current paid leave policies to help protect New Jersey workers and their families during this crisis.

“The public health crisis will impact the financial security of many New Jerseyans, but will be particularly devastating to low-income workers, workers of color, and the families they support,” said Phyllis Salowe-Kaye, NJCA Executive Director. “The potential impact from the coronavirus on jobs and small businesses could lead to a significant loss of income for thousands, if not millions of people. We applaud the bills proposed by the State Legislature and urge our elected leaders take any steps necessary to ensure all New Jerseyans can meet their basic expenses and needs. We will also work with allies to ensure action is taken at the federal level.”

“Thanks to the tireless efforts of Governor Murphy, legislative champions and countless advocates, New Jersey working families have access to some of the strongest paid leave policies in the country,” said Yarrow Willman-Cole, New Jersey Citizen Action Workplace Justice Program Director and co-convener of the New Jersey Time to Care Coalition. “But during this nationwide health crisis we need to protect the most vulnerable in our communities. That means taking some important further steps to ensure all New Jersey workers have access to paid leave.”

The State Legislature is scheduled to take up bills today involving many of NJCA’s recommendations, including assistance to small businesses, workers and families,  extension of tax deadlines and foreclosures. The legislative and government actions NJCA has called for include, but are not limited to:

• A moratorium on foreclosure fillings, sales, foreclosure home evictions and rental evictions for both residential and commercial tenants.
• A universal and penalty-free three-month state hold on mortgage payments for all homeowners whose health and or income is compromised by the pandemic.
• Extensions to filing personal and corporation taxes.
• Assistance for nonprofit organizations that provide direct services to low and moderate-income clients who rely on services such as enrollment in Affordable Care Act health plans, financial counseling and other free consumer services. NJCA’s Economic Security Center in Newark, which provides such services, has had to close due to the coronavirus pandemic. However a variety of services will be offered remotely.
• Increasing awareness of what laws and programs are already available for NJ workers through social media, press releases, and at press conferences. Encouraging employers, schools and local government to include information in their outreach to employees, parents and the community. Fast-track hiring of more Department of Labor staff to assist with the outreach effort.
• Increasing the basic number of paid sick days required to be provided by employers in the Earned Sick Leave Law currently from 5 to 7 and require that employers also provide 14 additional days available immediately for workers to use during this and other public health emergencies. Including coverage for all workers currently excluded by the law during public health emergencies.
• Including short-term job protection for all workers taking Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) and Family Leave Insurance (FLI) leave as well as for anyone unable to work for reasons related to public health emergencies
• Ensuring all benefit programs cover all workers, regardless of eligibility, industry, or immigration status during the pandemic and be as accessible as possible. Temporarily waiving minimum earning requirements for workers for Temporary Disability, Family Leave and Unemployment Insurance if dealing with quarantine, self-isolation, illness or caregiving during this and other public health emergencies.
• Allowing for self-certification for TDI or FLI leave related to quarantine, isolation, or school or work closures in lieu of medical care providers’ direct certification.

“With the inevitable loss of jobs and small business  income that will come from this health crisis, the state is going to have to put  extraordinary economic safeguards in place by expanding on the precedents for natural disaster relief,” said Brown Ruggia NJCA Financial Justice Organizer.  “We are asking people to stay home to stop the spread of the virus.  But they will not be able to do that, or recover from the crisis if they are evicted from their homes or lose other basic necessities because they cannot pay their bills.”

“Our clients depend on affordable healthcare enrollment and their EITC (Earned Income Tax Credits) to make ends meet, care for their families and to stay healthy,” said Naomi Anderson, NJCA Director of Volunteer Tax Assistance. “If New Jerseyans are unable to access these critical programs and services we will need coordinated assistance from the state and federal governments to protect our most vulnerable residents from the health and financial hardships caused by this pandemic.”

New Jersey Citizen Action is a statewide advocacy and social service organization that fights for social, racial and economic justice for all while also meeting the pressing needs of low and moderate income New Jerseyans through education and direct service.