Legislation to give paid parental leave to state employees and educators had two significant votes on March 5, though questions about how much it will cost the state remain.
The bill was expanded and approved 28–3 in the Alabama Senate Wednesday afternoon. A House committee also advanced that chamber’s version of the bill earlier in the day, but not before members said they need more information about the financial impact.
“The concern I have … we don’t have a good fiscal note,” House education budget committee chairman Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, said. The bill is a priority of Gov. Kay Ivey and Garrett said he’s asked her office for additional information about the cost. He said he hopes to have it before the bill receives a vote in the House.
Supporters have said it’s time for Alabama teachers and employees to have paid parental leave and not having it hurts recruitment and retention.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Mary Sell and originally published by Alabama Daily News.
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