Hoboken Mayor Bhalla signs executive order expanding parental paid leave

Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla signed an executive order expanding parental paid leave earlier today, made possible with the assistance of weekly wages provided through New Jersey Leave Insurance. 

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

“This is a common-sense policy,” Bhalla said in a statement. “A family’s expenses go up after having a child, so helping our employees maintain their income level while caring for a baby is good for the child, good for our employees, and good for the community.”

The state insurance program pays up to two-thirds of a person’s salary with a cap at $637 per week, but with the mayor’s executive order, the city will make up the difference to allow the municipal employee to receive their full salary while on leave.

The policy became effective immediately upon signing. Anna Seguinot, the legal secretary in Hoboken’s Office of Corporation Counsel, is expecting her first child and was present for the executive order signing.

“I want to thank Mayor Bhalla for signing this executive order,” added Seguinot. “As it now allows me to focus on being a new mom and not on whether I am going to be able to pay my bills during my maternity leave.”

Additionally, Director of Transportation and Parking Ryan Sharp is expecting his second child and was also present for the signing.

“It was tough after our first child, trying to cobble together vacation and sick time to care for my newborn,” he stated.

“This is a huge step forward for Hoboken caregivers, because it’s so important to spend time bonding with a baby and being there for the milestones. I’m proud to work for a city that looks out for its employees.”

To be eligible, a person must have served as a full-time city employee for at least one year at the time of applying for Paid Parental Leave.

The employee must also be approved for the Family Medical Leave Act or the New Jersey Family Leave Act as well as the Family Leave Insurance provision of the NJ Temporary Disability Benefits Law or subsequent amendments, and they must not have used this benefit within a 12-month period.