Newsom reverses course on California teacher paid leave after years of vetoes
Summary
Governor Gavin Newsom of California has changed his position and now supports taxpayer-funded paid pregnancy leave for public school and community college teachers. This new plan would offer up to 14 weeks of paid leave starting in the 2026-27 fiscal year, after many years of vetoing similar measures.Key Facts
- The proposal is included in Newsom's May budget revision.
- It would provide up to 14 weeks of paid pregnancy disability leave for TK-12 and community college employees.
- Newsom opposed or vetoed similar paid leave bills during most of his time as governor.
- Previous efforts to expand paid leave for teachers failed partly due to concerns over costs and budget priorities.
- The new plan is estimated to cost around $220 million annually.
- The state now has enough discretionary education funding to support the paid leave.
- The bill includes leave for pregnancy, miscarriage, and termination of pregnancy (which covers elective abortions).
- The proposal still needs approval from the state legislature as part of budget negotiations.
- Women now make up nearly 50% of the California Legislature, which influenced the shift in support.
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