Two associations had different responses to Gov. John Carney’s support of a paid family leave bill.
Carney offered his support to Senate Bill One in his State of the State speech on Thursday.
“Sen. (Sarah) McBride has introduced legislation that would build on the work we’ve done for state employees and extend paid leave into the private sector,” Carney said. It’s the right thing to do – and it will make Delaware more attractive for younger workers. I’d like to thank Sen. McBride and Rep. (Debra) Heffernan for their leadership on this important issue.”
In its response, the Delaware Chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business acknowledged the assistance given to small businesses but took issue with the proposed family leave measure.
“Gov. Carney was right to highlight the $400 million his administration provided for struggling small businesses through various grant and loan programs during the pandemic. Unfortunately, his support for a costly state-run program paid for by a new payroll tax on small business owners and their employees will undermine his administration’s efforts to help Delaware’s job creators recover from this economic crisis. Senate Bill 1 creates a new fixed labor cost, and that will serve as a deterrent, not a catalyst, to solving our state’s labor shortage.”
AARP Delaware had a different take that was outlined in their newsletter.
“Paid family and medical leave is a fair, commonsense solution: everyone contributes, and everyone benefits. Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits caregivers and employers.
“Caregivers enjoy financial and job security and reduced stress while balancing their important roles. Employers get improved productivity and retention of valued employees. AARP believes policymakers should enact paid family and medical leave programs as a way to support working caregivers.
“AARP Delaware urges legislators to support family caregivers and vote “yes” on S.B. 1.”
Correction: A previous version incorrectly listed the sponsor of the bill as David McBride.
