Human Rights

New York Approves 12 Weeks Of Paid Family Leave For Employees

Once it's phased in, employees will be eligible to take paid time off when caring for an infant or a family member with a serious health condition.

New York Approves 12 Weeks Of Paid Family Leave For Employees
Getty Images / Spencer Platt
SMS

New York approved the most comprehensive paid family leave in the country this week.

"Family matters. Intimate relationships matter. And in this 24/7 world, let this state make a statement of what's really important," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.

Once it's phased in, the program will make employees eligible for 12 weeks of paid time off when caring for an infant or a family member with a serious health condition.

New York's newly approved budget also includes a $15-an-hour minimum wage. The new minimum wage will roll out over the next few years and is scheduled to be in full swing by 2021.

Family leave benefits will start to go into effect in New York in 2018.

This video includes an image from Getty Images.