Obama to renew push for paid leave for parents

Published 10:30 am Thursday, January 15, 2015

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is renewing his push for paid leave for working parents. 

White House senior adviser Valerie Jarrett said Obama today will again call on Congress to pass legislation to let workers earn up to seven paid sick days each year.

He’ll also urge cities and states to pass similar laws.

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Obama is also expected to outline a plan to help states create paid leave programs. Just three — California, Rhode Island and New Jersey — provide such a benefit.

Jarrett said Obama will also take steps to provide federal employees with at least six weeks of paid sick leave when a new child arrives. And he’ll propose that Congress offer its employees six weeks off, too.

Jarrett announced the details on the professional online site LinkedIn.