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Tompkins County legislators back paid caregiver leave; committee discusses opting into state program and county 'top-up'
Summary
After a unanimous legislature vote on a resolution, Tompkins County's Workforce Diversity & Inclusion Committee discussed next steps for a paid caregiver leave policy, including using New York State's program administration and whether the county should top up the state's benefit so employees receive full pay.
Veronica Pillar, chair of the Tompkins County Workforce Diversity & Inclusion Committee, opened a March 23 meeting by noting that a resolution the committee helped draft had just passed the county legislature unanimously and is moving into policy work.
The committee discussed policy options for implementing paid caregiver leave for county employees. Iris Packman, a legislator who led the resolution effort, said the legislature adopted the measure with strong support: "I think there were 14 [yes votes]; I think there were 2 absent, so I think all 14 voted yes." The resolution asks county administration and other bodies to draft an implementing policy.
Why it matters: Members framed the change as a workforce-retention and equity measure. Several speakers said paid leave can reduce turnover and associated costs, while also addressing recovery and bonding time for birthing and non‑birthing caregivers.
What was discussed: Committee…
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