Spit-up On My Shoulder

The following is a message from the grassroots organization, MomsRising. MomsRising provides support to leaders and organizations addressing key issues such as paid family leave; flexible work options; after-school programs; healthcare for all kids; excellent childcare; and living wages.

Good News in California – pass it on!

Californians are lucky to have a state Paid Family Leave program that already allows many workers paid time to bond with a new child or care for a seriously ill parent, child, spouse, or registered domestic partner. But only 1 in 4 Californians know about the program. The numbers are even lower among young and Latino workers. As a result, millions of Californians who need assistance aren’t getting it.

HELP SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS! Take just a few moments to help us spread the word. Click the link below (or cut and paste it into your browser) to find an easy way to pass this information about Paid Family Leave to your friends and colleagues: http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/momsrising/tellafriend.jsp?tell_a_friend_KEY=1315

PAID FAMILY LEAVE 101:Here are some key facts about California’s Paid Family Leave benefits you should know and share widely!

* Almost every California worker is eligible for Paid Family Leave benefits. As of July 1, 2004, California workers who pay into the State Disability Insurance (SDI) program are eligible for the Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits. Almost every California worker pays into SDI, except some public employees. If you are not sure, ask your employer or check your pay stub.

* The Paid Family Leave law provides workers with up to 6 weeks of partial pay each year while taking time off from work to bond with a newborn baby, newly adopted or foster child, or to care for a seriously ill parent, child, spouse or registered domestic partner.

* New mothers are eligible for an additional 6 weeks of leave under Paid Family Leave, in addition to their pregnancy-related State Disability Insurance benefits.

* Paid Family Leave benefits will replace approximately 55% of wages up to a maximum of $882 per week in 2007.

* Paid Family Leave does not expressly provide job return rights. Employees who work for businesses with 50 or more employees, have at least one year of service, and have worked 1,250 hours in the past year may be covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act and the California Family Rights Act, which provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave.

For a complete fact sheet go to: http://www.paidfamilyleave.org/law.html. It’s important to know that the Paid Family Leave Program is administered by the State of California’s Employment Development Department (EDD), a state agency, not employers.

You can email paidfamilyleave@las-elc.org to get more involved. Thanks for sharing this news with your fellow Californians!