Legislative Coordinating Council, Kansas Board of Regents and Secretary of State formally adopt paid parental leave policies, joining the Kansas Supreme Court and all statewide executive officeholders
KANSAS CITY – Thousands of additional state employees will benefit from paid parental leave, the Women’s Foundation announced today, as the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) joined the other two branches of government, including the Kansas Board of Regents, in offering the benefit.
Today the Legislative Coordinating Council formally adopted a paid parental leave policy for employees of the legislative branch, providing six week of paid leave for primary caregivers and three weeks of paid leave for secondary caregivers after the birth or adoption of a child. The Kansas Board of Regents approved paid parental leave for employees of state colleges and universities earlier this month.
They join Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt, Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, Secretary of State Scott Schwab, Treasurer Jake LaTurner, and the Kansas Supreme Court in adopting policies aligned with former Gov. Colyer’s executive order, which current Gov. Laura Kelly has kept in place.
“Our research has shown that paid family leave is a win-win for families, employers, and the economy — so we’re thrilled that more state employees will have access to this family-friendly benefit,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of Women’s Foundation. “No one should have to choose between caring for a child and paying the bills, and we thank all the officials who have stepped up to provide parental leave to their employees. We look forward to continuing to work with legislators to pass paid family leave laws that will give all Kansans the ability to care for a child without losing their income.”
Expanding access to paid leave has been a top priority of the Women’s Foundation, which worked with Kansas leaders to provide research on the benefits of paid family leave.
Last year, Governor Colyer signed an executive order granting paid parental leave to thousands of state employees following the birth or adoption of a child. Under the policy, state employees under the governor's jurisdiction are eligible to receive paid parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child, with primary caregivers receiving six weeks and secondary caregivers receiving three weeks.
More information on the Women’s Foundation research into paid family leave is available at: http://www.womens-foundation.org/paid-leave/.
Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using research, philanthropy and policy solutions to make meaningful change. More information about the organization can be found at www.Womens-Foundation.org.