TRENTON, NJ – Political corruption has been normalized in New Jersey. Now, one state legislator wants to mandate the most despised form of political corruption in the Garden State, double dipping.
A New Jersey lawmaker who is also calling for gender based assignment of state inmates now wants to guarantee paid time off for employees who serve in public office, proposing a measure that would give them up to 15 paid days each year to perform their official duties.
Most municipal and county elected officials also receive salaries to compensate their duties as elected officials. Many even provide fulltime healthcare benefits for the part time position. The bill would legislate and mandate double dipping by elected officials. That means being paid twice for doing the same job.
While being paid for their municipal services, they will also be paid by their companies…at the same time.
Assemblywoman Shanique Speight of Essex and Hudson counties introduced the legislation, known as Assembly Bill 1963, for the 2024 session. The bill would require both private employers with more than 20 full-time employees and all public employers to provide paid leave and job-protected unpaid leave to workers who hold elected positions at the municipal, county, or state level.
Under the proposal, eligible employees could take up to 15 paid days off per calendar year for official government responsibilities. They would also be entitled to additional unpaid leave, without losing seniority, benefits, or credited service.
Paid leave applies only to current officeholders
The bill specifies that the benefit would not apply to employees who are merely running for office — only to those already elected and actively serving. Employers would be prohibited from denying an employee’s return to work before the end of the approved leave period.
Employers would be required to maintain benefit contributions for employees during the 15 paid days, but would not have to pay their share of benefits while an employee is on unpaid leave.
Aimed at encouraging civic participation
Specht argues that the measure could make it easier for working New Jerseyans to serve in local and state government positions that often require time away from full-time jobs. Many municipal and county officials in New Jersey hold part-time elected roles while maintaining private employment.
The bill, however, could raise concerns among business groups who view the mandate as an additional employment cost, particularly for mid-sized companies with limited staffing flexibility.
If enacted, the legislation would take effect immediately, requiring compliance from employers statewide.
