Great Lakes Wire

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-Mich.) is celebrating the success of the paid family leave policy for state employees.

"Paid family leave is critical to helping new parents bond with their babies and ensures parents do not have to choose between a  paycheck and caring for their loved one," Whitmer said in a press release. "Over two years ago, I announced that the State of Michigan would lead by example and extend up to 12 weeks of paid family leave for public servants. This was a commonsense, family-first priority for us to enact. And of course, it is the first step, and I urge the legislature to take action to make paid leave a reality for parents across Michigan."

The governor continued, "As a mom, I know firsthand how important it is to have time with your new baby; parents should be able to take that time when they need it the most without having to worry about their paycheck. We should work together to extend this family-friendly policy to every Michigander."

Jeremy Tripp also praised the policy. He is executive director of SEIU Local 517M, which represents approximately 4,000 state employees in the scientific and engineering, human services support, and technical units of state government, according to the press release.

"For the members of SEIU Local 517M, access to paid parental leave has been life-changing," Tripp said. "With the provisions enacted by Gov. Whitmer, both men and women can focus on spending time with their children, instead of worrying about insufficient leave banks or not being there when it matters most to their family. We commend the governor for leading on this issue."

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist called paid family leave an investment in families and the future.

"We know how important it is for parents to be present after welcoming a new child into their family," Gilchrist said. "The bonds parents and children form in the first few weeks have major benefits down the road. I was grateful to be able to take leave when we welcomed my daughter Ruby in 2019, and I am proud that our administration has taken the lead on ensuring parents have the time to love, nurture, and support their children."

In February 2020, Whitmer extended 12 weeks of paid family leave to all 46,707 state employees, according to the release.

"As of October 1, 2020, every civil servant is eligible to take 12 weeks of paid family leave upon the birth or adoption of a child," the release said. "So far, 1,958 State of Michigan employees have utilized this benefit,  including 1,043 dads and 915 moms. That amounts to over 800,000 hours that new parents have spent with their newborn babies, forming lifelong bonds."