Is it just me or do you sometimes start to read and and think “Just the highlights, please”? That’s how I felt on the very tired yet important issue of parental leave. It left me thinking where are they now on this policy? After some Googling, a few emails, and phone calls; I learned the bill was passed January 1, 2019, but won’t truly go into effect until January 1, 2020, when eligible employees can apply for benefits. Albeit the leave will only be paid at a partial rate- it is not the employee’s full rate of pay. This is also a new tax that we are already paying, effective Jan 1, 19. If you live in another state and want to see how your state is progressing click here. It also left me wanting to scream “Why does the United States remains the only developed country in the world without paid parental leave?” It is time for our country to recognize the importance of this issue and respond with appropriate policies that support our workers and their families.

Highlights:

• New policy would allow parents with newborns the opportunity and time to care for their young children, which would lead to better futures for children and parents. It would also give parents who adopt or foster children meaningful time off in order to establish a bond with their new family members.
• Expected cost of this program to be less than $1.35 million a year.
• A paid parental leave benefit protects women’s earning potential and helps keep them in the workforce after giving birth.