Mulgrew on paid parental leave

New York City’s 20,000 non-union employees will soon get six weeks of paid parental leave, making the Big Apple the latest municipality to expand benefits offered to new parents.

“This is a combination of tools that have never been tried before on this scale in the city – not even close”, de Blasio said during a year-end news briefing.

The new policy doesn’t apply to the bulk of the city workforce – the 300,000 unionized workers – whose leave policies are covered by their negotiated contracts.

Without the guarantee of paid leave while caring for a child, many new parents are faced with the choice between economic hardship and returning to work prematurely. And just two United States cities – Austin and Pittsburgh – now offer six weeks of paid parental leave to its employees, while Portland will offer 6,000 employees the benefit in the New Year.

The plan is expected to cost 15 million dollars with no new charges to city taxpayers. “I am thrilled that Mayor de Blasio is taking a lead in this important fight, [but] we must continue pushing to ensure that all working families have financial security with access to these common sense policies”.

Combined with other existing leave, such as vacation time and sick days, a worker can take up to 12 weeks for the parental leave beginning January 1, 2016.

“To do this right, there should be trained social services providers going out there who can listen carefully on what the needs of the homeless are and offer real solutions”, she said.

The policy has also garnered support from Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.

After months of enduring tabloid photographs of vagrants urinating in public and editorials blaming the mayor for an increasing population in homeless shelters, de Blasio said his administration has focused on the problem with an array of policies.

“We have an opportunity to show the nation that we can have thoughtful, progressive policies around families”, Glen said.

The plan was expected to cover maternity, paternity, adoption and foster care leave.

Many of New York City’s homeless are living a daily nightmare, according to a new report released by the City Comptroller. Caseworkers will develop relationships with the homeless, connect them to existing resources, and monitor their progress. “Residents of this city deserve nothing less”, echoed Flatlands City Council Member Jumaane D. Williams.