Letter to the editor of the Star Ledger, March 28, 2008:

What families need

I was deeply troubled by Philip Kirschner's March 16 piece arguing that family leave insurance would further slow this state's economy.  The New Jersey Business and Industry Association president fails to acknowledge the economic reality that thousands of New Jersey families face when time off from work is needed.  Families rely on more than one wage-earner to make ends meet, and when a family member becomes ill or a baby is born, many are forced to choose between caring for their loved ones and paying the bills.  This is a choice that no one should have to make, in economic downturns or upswings.  Many workers taking unpaid leave are forced to max out credit cards or even leave mortgage payments and other bills unpaid to get through hard times.  These unfortunate decisions are part of the reason our economy is struggling.  Providing family leave insurance can only help families during these situations, and that's good for the economy.  The present family leave law is for the wealthy.  But what about working-class people?  Aren't our families important, too?

— Maretta J. Short,

East Orange

The writer is NOW-NJ president.