David’s Dialogue: Paid Family Leave Seminar on February 26th

Column by State Senator David Carlucci

On Monday, February 26 at 6 p.m. I am holding a seminar at the Clarkstown Town Hall for employees and employers to discuss paid family leave. I know people may have questions about how it works since it just took effect this year.

I worked to pass paid family leave legislation, which allows employees to take off, up to 12 weeks a year: to bond with a new child, care for a loved one with a serious illness, or to help relieve family pressures when someone is called to active military service abroad.

The program will cover all parents, regardless of sex, and benefit will be available to private-sector employees who work in businesses with one or more employees. Additionally, public sector employees will be included if their employer opts in to the benefit.

Twelve weeks of paid family leave will phase in over the next four years and be fully available in 2021. During 2018, employees can take up to eight weeks of paid family leave and earn 50 percent of their average weekly wage capped at 50 percent of the New York State average weekly wage. Then each year moving forward benefits will increase.

I am proud to say families will no longer be left with the impossible choice between being able to bond and take care of their newborn, or earn the income they need to provide for their family.

Have more questions? Please stop by our Paid Family Leave seminar:
Monday, February 26, 2018, 6 p.m.
Clarkstown Town Hall
10 Maple Avenue, New City, NY 10956

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