Paid Parental Leave To Be Proposed In Lakewood

LAKEWOOD, OH — Lakewood City Council will consider an ordinance that would establish paid parental leave benefits for full-time city employees.

The ordinance is being proposed by Councilperson Meghan George at the Jan. 7 meeting. The legislation would provide paid leave to city employees following the birth or adoption of a child, and additional paid leave for mothers recovering from childbirth.

"This is something I felt strongly about before I was an elected official," George told Patch. "I've spent time fine-tuning [the proposal] and researching it."

Currently, city employees have to use paid time off following the birth or adoption of a child to continue their income. George, who works as a benefits consultant, believes this should change.

“The period following the birth or adoption of a child is a vulnerable time for working families,” George said. “I believe that it is important that our City enact employment policies supportive of and consistent with the realities that employees face juggling family and employment responsibilities. There are more women in the workforce than ever before but public policy is still lacking far behind. Lakewood is in a position where we can be a leader in this area, which is gaining momentum across the country.”

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The ordinance will be introduced at the Jan. 7 council meeting. Once it's introduced, George expects it to be sent to committee for further deliberation. She told Patch she would like the ordinance implemented as soon as possible, but is willing to negotiate on it until 2020, to ensure the city is acting in its own best interest.

"We have to act responsibly, we have to do what's in the best interest of Lakewood," she said.

Photo from Rick Uldricks, Patch