COLUMBIA, S.C. — State workers in South Carolina aren’t assured paid parental go away, however a invoice may quickly change that.

Beneath present regulation, state workers like Ashley Stewart should use annual and sick go away for break day if they’ve a baby. 

“That is Carter and Carter is 2,” Stewart stated whereas introducing her toddler to News19.

Stewart works for the South Carolina Senate and had her son Carter in February 2020. She labored day by day whereas pregnant till it was time to go to the hospital so she may save up her paid break day hours. “I had to make use of all my annual go away time and majority of sick go away to look after Carter,” shared Stewart.

Whereas federal regulation requires employers to permit for household go away, it doesn’t assure that point is compensated. Stewart stated if she selected to not use her PTO, her maternity go away would’ve been unpaid.

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Nonetheless, state lawmakers like Consultant Beth Bernstein hope to vary that with laws that has now handed by the Home and Senate.

“It was actually essential we received this accomplished,” Bernstein advised News19.  The invoice ensures state workers six weeks of paid maternity go away. Co-parents, like a father, may get two weeks of paid go away.

Bernstein stated, “I’m ecstatic that we even have six weeks paid go away as a result of lots of people are stunned that that’s not already a good thing about a state worker.”

The measure initially known as for 12 weeks of paid go away, however lawmakers decreased it as a compromise. Each Home member voted to go the measure Thursday, apart from Consultant Vic Dabney.

“I believe even six weeks is extreme,” Dabney advised News19. Dabney thinks PTO offers ample time for moms to remain dwelling with their new child. And in the event that they want extra break day down the highway, “I believe that must be taken up on a case by case foundation,” stated the Kershaw consultant.

Nonetheless, the invoice received overwhelming assist by each chambers. Supporters stated it’s not solely good for retaining state workers, however essential for households.

“These first preliminary weeks are a very powerful. You’re bonding with the brand new youngster, you’re making an attempt to get used to the brand new schedule,” stated Stewart. She added that each dad and mom want time to adapt mentally, whereas moms in fact must heal bodily.

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The invoice additionally ensures paid parental go away for adoption. The first care dad or mum would get six weeks of paid go away. Plus, foster dad and mom may get two weeks of paid parental go away.

Bernstein expects Governor Henry McMaster to log out on the invoice when it reaches his desk this April.