A big expansion of New Jersey’s paid family leave takes effect Wednesday, boosting benefits and doubling eligibility to 12 weeks.

New Jersey Labor Commissioner Rob Asaro-Angelo joined members of the NJ Time to Care Coalition — including advocates, parents, and policy experts — in a virtual press conference to recognize and celebrate the first day of enhanced benefits for paid family and medical leave in New Jersey that took effect today, July 1, 2020.

As the global pandemic unfolds many New Jerseyans have begun receiving their COVID-19 federal stimulus payments. But the most vulnerable among us won’t receive stimulus checks and won’t be eligible for unemployment, paid leave or the job protections needed to get through this crisis.

Employees forced to care for family members during the coronavirus outbreak may take up to 12 weeks of family leave in a two-year period without losing their jobs, thanks to a bill signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Phil Murphy.