Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Paid family leave heads to Gov. Carney

Delaware Public Media

Delaware state workers may expect to see paid family leave soon.

A bill adding that benefit cleared its final legislative hurdle in the state Senate.

Paid family leave for state employees has been at the top of Gov. John Carney’s legislative wish list for this session.

The legislation gives workers employed with the state for at least a year 12 weeks off after child birth or adoption of a young child.

Kristin Dwyer of the Delaware State Education Association said her members supports the bill.

“They don’t have the sick time banked," she said. "Or so meaning they would have to take a pay reduction or they would have to go on unpaid leave.”

But Senate Minority Leader Gary Simpson said he’s concerned that schools may face teacher shortages and he doesn’t like the bill’s price tag.

“I’ve got to say that I think this is probably the most fiscally irresponsible bill that I have seen in my 20 years in the Senate,” he said.

The Delaware Association of School Administrators also opposes the bill.

Simpson unsuccessfully introduced two amendments to the legislation. The first would have cut the paid leave from 12 weeks to 6 weeks. The other would have added a three-year sunset provision.

It’s expected to cost the state about $4 million next year.

Related Content