SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — San Francisco has approved a measure making it the first place in the nation to require businesses to provide fully paid leave for new parents.
Advocates say the issue is gaining momentum across the country much like the debate over a higher minimum wage.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday after supporters said six weeks of fully paid leave is needed because too many families can’t afford to take time off after a child is born or adopted.
Small business owners countered that it’s the latest in a long list of city mandates — including paid sick leave and health coverage — that unfairly targets them.
California, Rhode Island and New Jersey provide for partial pay, with the money coming from employees. Legislators in New York last month approved up to 12 weeks of partial pay.
