New York State Legislature's Actions on Paid Leave a Smart Move for Entrepreneurs
Statement by Erik Rettig, Outreach Manager for Small Business Majority, on legislation passed today implementing a paid leave insurance program in New York
Governor Cuomo and state legislative leaders have reached a budget deal that will gradually implement a statewide paid leave insurance program offering up to 12 weeks of paid family leave, which is as step in the right direction for small employers. This program, which is funded by small paycheck contributions from employees, will encourage a strong New York workforce and boost employee morale to ultimately help small businesses' bottom lines.
Small Business Majority's scientific opinion polling found the vast majority of New York small business owners support publicly-administered family medical leave insurance pools funded by modest contributions from employees. Small business owners support policies like these because they know that paid leave benefits can help attract and retain talented employees. What's more, it allows small businesses to offer a benefit that is typically reserved for larger firms at no added cost to small employers.
By implementing a statewide paid leave insurance program, New York is making paid leave a universal practice, which will help level the playing field for small businesses that want to offer this benefit to their employees. The state's legislative leaders have made a smart move for New York's small businesses by passing this legislation.
About Small Business Majority
Small Business Majority is a national small business advocacy organization, founded and run by small business owners to focus on solving the biggest problems facing America's 28 million small businesses today. Since 2005, we have actively engaged small business owners and policymakers in support of public policy solutions, and have delivered information and resources to entrepreneurs that promote small business growth and drive a strong, sustainable economy. We are a team of more than 30 working from our 11 offices in Washington, D.C. and 9 states, with a network of more than 45,000 small business owners and more than 2,000 business organizations, along with a formal strategic partnership program of more than 125 business organizations, enabling us to reach more than 500,000 entrepreneurs. Our extensive scientific polling, focus groups and economic research help us educate and inform policymakers, the media and other stakeholders about issues including taxes, healthcare, access to capital, entrepreneurship, workforce development, clean energy and immigration. Learn more about us on our website and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.