Today demonstrates what is possible when we recognize that policies that support families also strengthen our workforce and economy.
This afternoon, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein signed into law the Public Workforce Modernization Act. It expands paid parental benefits for state, public school, and community college employees to 12 weeks of paid time off for full-time workers following the birth of a biological child or the placement of an adopted, foster, or otherwise legally placed child under age 18. This policy also provides prorated leave for part-time state employees and allows paid time off following a miscarriage or the death of a child during birth. Employees who take this leave won’t have to use their vacation or sick time.
Momentum continues to build for paid leave policies, and North Carolina’s expansion of these benefits is another important step forward.
By providing this expanded amount of leave, our state is recognizing what families and employers increasingly understand: Workers should not have to choose between caring for their families and maintaining their economic security.
This is the kind of state North Carolina wants to be. We are proud to be First in Business. We should also strive to Be First in Families by advancing policies that help employers attract and retain talented workers, strengthen family financial security, and give children the strongest possible start in life.
We are grateful to Beth Messersmith and MomsRising, and the many advocates and partners who have worked to advance paid leave policies in North Carolina. This progress is worth celebrating, and it should build momentum for what comes next. Access to paid leave remains out of reach for too many workers across our state, including those employed in the private sector and local government.
North Carolina has an opportunity to continue moving forward by expanding access to family-friendly workplace policies that allow more workers, families, businesses, and communities to thrive.
— Theresa Stacker
Executive Director
North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation