New York Approves Most Progressive Family Paid Leave in the Country

Aaaaand coming in first place for paid family leave is New York state with 12 weeks of paid maternal or paternal leave. Yes, you read that right. New York just passed the most progressive family leave bill to date, which subsequently makes the empire state the fifth U.S. state to mandate paid family leave.

But, wait! There’s more.

This doesn’t just include having a baby. The bill also mandates the 12 weeks for adoption or fostering a child, as well as for caring for a sick family member, reports The Cut.

The mandate is expected to be adopted over a period of three years, starting in 2018. Full and part-time employees who have been at their current job for at least six months can take off for eight weeks and collect 50 percent of their average pay in 2018. In 2019, workers can take off 10 weeks, and 12 weeks in 2021. Eventually, people will be able to collect 67 percent of their paychecks.

“The total amount is capped at two-thirds of the state’s average weekly wage, which in 2014 was $1,266.44,” reports the New York Times, which means a pay cut for those who earn more.

A $15 minimum wage was also part of the bill.

By the end of 2018, New York City must adopt a $15 minimum wage, while Westchester county and Long Island will have six years to implement the new wage. Everyone else in the state will earn $12.50 within five years.

Not bad New York, not bad.