Gov Ron DeSantis boost workers maternity leave in new policy for state

Gov. Ron DeSantis increased paid maternity and family leave for state employees Monday during a meeting of the governor and state Cabinet. DeSantis, a father of three and a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, said he understands how instrumental bonding in the first weeks of life are for new parents and their children.  

“When I became Governor, I made it a priority to champion policies that support families and empower parents," said DeSantis about the additional leave time.

The new policy covers full-time employees with at least six months of continuous service and provides: 

• Seven weeks of paid maternity leave within the first 12 months of the birth of a child 
• Two weeks of paid parental leave within the first 12 months of the birth or adoption of a child 
• Authorizes the use of sick leave to bond with a new child for up to a maximum of four months, when combined with paid maternity and parental leave, within the first 12 months of the birth or adoption of a child.