Paid Parental Leave for State Employees (S.27 and H. 3617) would ensure that state employees, both full time and contracted, receive 12 weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child.

Paid leave is crucial to supporting working families’ economic security and promoting gender equity in workplaces. No one should have to risk their job or face financial loss when they need to welcome a new child.

Paid leave improves child health outcomes as parents who do not return to work full time in the first 12 weeks are more likely to receive medical checkups and vaccinations.  Parents also benefit, fathers who take longer leave experience greater engagement in their children's lives and mothers are more likely to return to the workforce.

This issue has wide bipartisan support.  A poll of likely voters found that 90% of South Carolinians believe this should be a legislative priority. 

In 2022, state employees were granted up to 6 weeks of paid parental leave and now is the time to continue to build upon that success. Send your message today!