Paid Family, Bereavement Leave Proposed By Heights Lawmaker

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — A Cleveland Heights politician this week introduced legislation to establish the Ohio Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program.

State Rep. Janine Boyd, a Democrat, was one half of the team that brought the bill to the Ohio House. Boyd's colleague, state Rep. Allison Russo, a Democrat from Upper Arlington, co-authored the legislation.

The Ohio Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program would give economic stability to families in cases of medical emergencies, caring for sick loved ones or welcoming a newborn, Boyd said. It would also provide an employee with paid bereavement leave for a stillbirth or the death of a child, Boyd's team noted.

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“As an adopted daughter and a newer mom who adopted my baby boy, I can gratefully attest to the incredibly important bonding time I’ve benefited from as a daughter and a mom, all made possible because of parental leave,” Boyd said. “All families deserve the right to access this critical bonding time without having to worry that they will lose their jobs or the potential for advancement. Passing family paid leave would send a strong message that Ohio is a state where you can work and raise a family.”

If passed, the legislation would give Ohioans access to 12 weeks of family and medical leave benefits. Funding would be provided entirely by premiums deducted from employee wages. Premiums would be determined by an evaluation from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services — though the estimated cost for workers is approximately $25-$30 annually, Boyd's team said.

Boyd's bill has been referred to the House Families, Aging, and Human Services committee. It now awaits a first hearing.