NYCLU Applauds State Assembly for Passing the Paid Family Leave Insurance Act

“Family leave insurance will provide essential support for the working families of New York,” said New York Civil Liberties Union Executive Director Donna Lieberman. “This is a huge step forward for women who typically take on more child and elder care responsibilities – and for our children whose health and wellbeing depend on parental support.”

Paid Family Leave Insurance allows for up to 12 weeks of paid family leave for New York workers to care for new children or a seriously ill loved one by expanding the existing Temporary Disability Insurance program, an insurance program already familiar to businesses. The family leave expansion, financed entirely by modest employee payroll contributions, provides benefits replacing two-thirds of a workers’ average weekly wage up to a cap of 50 percent of the statewide average.

“This is an important step toward building a society in which people are supported in their family-planning decisions and care taking responsibilities,” said NYCLU Policy Council Katharine Bodde. “For less than a cup of coffee a week, this measure will provide financial stability for New York families who need it most.”

The bill was passed as a part of a package aimed at strengthening and expanding childcare across New York State and making such critically essential services more accessible and affordable.

“We will soon know if Senate leaders care as much about women, families and children as they say they do,” said Lieberman. “The Senate must quickly pass this important legislation so that no New Yorker has to choose between caring for a loved one and making the rent.”