A City Council committee Wednesday recommended that the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation be hired to conduct an economic analysis of a proposal for the city to fully fund 18 weeks of paid parental leave.
“We must do right by the thousands of working and expecting parents by carefully and expeditiously conducting this study, while at the same time collecting the data and tools necessary to inform us on how this policy will affect our business community. With women’s rights under attack, our proposal could not be more timely,” Councilwoman Nury Martinez said.
The recommendation to hire the LAEDC to study the issue will now move to the full council.
State law allows for up to 18 weeks of paid family leave but only provides eligible employees with 60 to 70 percent of their wages up to a state maximum. The proposed city program would augment the state’s contribution in Los Angeles through existing State Disability Insurance and Paid Parental Leave programs to cover 100 percent of wages.
“Paid Parental Leave is one of the best ways we can reduce the pay gap, support working families and help children get a good start in life, but we are working to make sure this policy is a positive for both employees and businesses. That’s why Councilwoman Martinez and I sought this independent economic analysis,” Councilman David Ryu said. “The LAEDC is a trusted and data-driven expert in the Los Angeles economy.”
The program would be paid by employers but could create an exemption or risk pool for small businesses and nonprofits.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed a six-month paid family leave policy, but the idea is still in the early stages.