Big Changes in Ulster County: Paid Parental Leave Is Passed

There's big news out of Ulster County today as County Executive Jen Metzger signed new legislation allowing for an important first: paid parental leave for Ulster County employees.

While there are state and federal guidelines that allow up to 12 weeks of unpaid parental leave (as well as parental leave that pays New York employees a fraction of their salary), fully-paid leave is a first... but it comes with some important restrictions.

New Parental Leave Legislation Signed in Ulster County

"It’s official! The Legislature passed Resolution No. 119, adopting County Executive Metzger's proposal for an Ulster County Parental Leave Program for employees", began a recent Facebook post by the Ulster County Government (below). But what defines "employee"?

Paid Parental Leave for Ulster County Government Employees

While this change will affect more than 1,000 residents, it does not cover everyone. As was reiterated in the comment section of the post, this new legislation for paid parental leave applies to Ulster County government employees only.

Paid Parental Leave for Federal Employees

The change brings the Ulster County Government in line with benefits offered by the federal government. The Federal Employee Paid Leave Act gives federal workers 12 weeks of paid parental leave. But what about non-government employees?

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Paid Parental Leave for New York Residents

Outside the government, the majority of employees in the United States are only offered unpaid leave for the birth of a child. In New York State, paid family leave is offered with 67% of the employees salary.