Public Hearing: YES ☐ NO ☒ Department: Board of Commissioners - District 6
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): All DeKalb County Commission Districts
A Resolution Requesting CEO Michael Thurmond to Enact an HR Policy in Alignment with the Federal Paid Maternity, Parental, and Elder Care Leave Initiatives Championed by Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz
Body
Information Contact: Commissioner Edward C. “Ted” Terry
Phone Number: 404-371-4909
PURPOSE:
To request CEO Michael Thurmond to enact an HR Policy in alignment with the federal paid maternity, parental, and elder care leave initiatives championed by Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz
NEED/IMPACT:
The current DeKalb County HR policy allows employees to take parental leave; however, this leave must be taken at the expense of their accrued sick days and Paid Time Off (PTO), which is often insufficient to cover a reasonable leave period of at least 12 weeks, thereby placing undue financial and emotional stress on new parents, caregivers, and those caring for elderly family members. Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz, in their official capacities, have championed federal initiatives aimed at ensuring that all workers have access to at least 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave, covering time off for the birth or adoption of a child, as well as other essential caregiving responsibilities, including elder care. Many countries internationally recognize the importance of supporting families through equitable and comprehensive paid maternity, parental, and elder care leave policies.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Fiscal Impact Unknown at This Time
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
To approve and request the County CEO, Michael Thurmond, or his designee, to direct the Department of Human Resources to develop and implement a paid leave policy that aligns with the standards outlined by Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz