Liston, Blessing Introduce Bill to Establish Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program

This week, state Senators Beth Liston (D-Dublin) and Louis W. Blessing, III (R-Colerain Township) announced the introduction of legislation to establish a Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program, giving more Ohio workers access to paid leave when they need it most.

"No one should have to choose between their job and caring for themselves or their family," said Liston. "This bill opens the door for millions of Ohioans who currently have no access to essential benefits."

According to new research conducted by the National Partnership for Women & Families, about 72% of Ohio workers, nearly 4.5 million people, do not receive paid family leave through their employer. 

This bill would give both full-time and part-time workers up to 14 weeks of paid time off per year to have or care for a new child, take care of a family member, or deal with personal medical needs.

The legislation would also create a state-maintained paid leave fund built from an additional payroll contribution, about 0.8% of wages, split between workers and their employers. Small businesses with fewer than 15 employees would not have to pay into the fund, but their workers would still be covered.

The bill awaits a number and committee assignment.