California Leads the Nation in Family Leave Program

KPBS | By KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published October 11, 2007 at 9:18 AM PDT

This story was published more than 17 years ago.

California is one of two states that offers some form of paid family leave. But states across the country are watching what Governor Schwarzenegger will do with a number of bills awaiting his signatur

Tom Fudge: California is one of only two states in the country that offers residents some form of paid family leave . And now, it looks like the family leave act may be expanded. State Senator Sheila Kuehl of Santa Monica has sponsored three bills, passed by the legislature that now await the governor's signature. All of them seek to increase the ability of Californians to have either paid or unpaid family leave.

Kuehl's bills are not for everybody. More than one business organization has come out against family leave expansion, saying it would create more absenteeism, expense and headaches for employers.

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Guests

Sheila Kuehl , California senator (D-Santa Monica) who has sponsored two bills that are currently on the governor's desk: SB727 and SB836.

Scott Allevy, vice president of public policy and communications for the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce .