Senate Passes Comprehensive Paid Family and Medical Leave
Contact Name: Sara Persechino
Phone: (603) 271-3479
Email: Sara.Persechino@leg.state.nh.us
CONCORD - Today, the Senate voted in favor of HB 712 in a vote of 14-10. HB 712 creates a comprehensive paid family and medical leave program and was voted ought to pass by the House of Representatives. It mirrors language in SB 1, which was vetoed by Governor Chris Sununu in 2019. HB 712 was recommended ought to pass in a vote of 4-1.
After the vote, Senate Majority Leader Dan Feltes (D-Concord) issued the following statement:
“No one should be forced to risk their family’s economic security simply to take care of a loved one, take care of oneself, or be there for a new baby. HB 712 addresses the real needs of New Hampshire families and creates a comprehensive, long term solution that works to attract and retain the workforce of tomorrow, combat the opioid epidemic, care for our aging population, and deal with the coronavirus.
When we mandate coverage we ensure that low-income workers are covered. Here in New Hampshire we value work, we value family. We value the idea that you shouldn’t have to choose between the two. Paid family and medical leave, as constructed in HB 712, is critical in addressing the challenges faced by working families and creating a head-on solution that works for all Granite Staters.”
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