California and New York City are considering proposals that would expand paid leave. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has included a proposal to extend paid family leave (PFL) benefits in his state budget. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced a proposal to make the city the first to mandate paid personal time off.
Both items are still proposals and would have to be formally introduced, then passed by the state legislature or city council, and finally signed into law to take effect.
California Paid Family Leave Benefits Proposal
Currently, California’s PFL insurance program provides up to six weeks of paid benefits to an employee who takes time off of work to care for a seriously ill family member or to bond with a new child. The PFL program is administered by the state disability insurance program and funded through employee contributions. Gov. Newsom’s proposal would expand the PFL program from six weeks of paid benefits to six months – making it the most generous PFL program in the country.
New York City Paid Time Off Proposal
Mayor de Blasio’s proposal would make New York City the first in the nation to mandate paid personal time off for employees. It would require private employers with five or more employees to offer 10 annual days of paid personal time off. Employees would be able to use the paid time off for any purpose – including vacation, religious observances, bereavement, and time with family. This paid leave would be in addition to the five days of paid sick leave already required by law.
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