Mississippi state employees would soon receive eight weeks of paid maternity leave, marking a significant step for family support in the state. House Bill 1063, unanimously approved by the House, also includes two weeks of paid leave for the child's father or secondary caregiver. This policy, while not extending to public school teachers, is seen as a model for other states and a crucial benefit for attracting and retaining state employees.
State employees in Mississippi would soon be eligible for eight weeks of paid maternity leave under a bill that passed the House unanimously on Thursday. The legislation, House Bill 1063, sponsored by Rep. Kevin Felsher, R-Biloxi, also extends two weeks of paid leave to the child's father or secondary caregiver. This new policy would apply to both birth and adoption but would not extend to public school teachers.
Felsher expressed the hope that this measure would raise the bar and encourage other states to adopt similar policies. He highlighted potential benefits beyond family well-being, such as improved recruitment and retention of state employees, a pressing concern in a state where salaries are often lower than the private sector. Speaker of the House Jason White echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the state's commitment to supporting families following the 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade. He stated that Mississippi, as a pro-life state, has a responsibility to provide for healthier outcomes for parents and children. White also pointed out that Mississippi, currently one of twelve states lacking paid parental leave for state employees, can use this benefit to attract and retain employees, setting a positive example for the private sector. The bill has garnered bipartisan support, with a similar measure introduced in the Senate by Sen. Jeremy England, R-Ocean Springs. Prominent state leaders, including Attorney General Lynn Fitch, have publicly endorsed the policy. Fitch expressed her encouragement to see the Legislature take action to implement paid parental leave this year. The article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license
PAID PARENTAL LEAVE MISSISSIPPI HOUSE STATE EMPLOYEES FAMILY SUPPORT RECRUITMENT RETENTION
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