Hogan announces new parental leave policy for state employees; provides 60 days of paid leave

SALISBURY, Md. – “It is absolutely a step in the right direction,” said Eastern Shore Wellness and Pregnancy Center office manager Lori Timmons.

In just a couple of days, certain Maryland state employees will soon enjoy a new perk. Starting Monday October 1st, they’ll be getting an additional 60 days of paid parental leave after the birth or adoption of a child on top of what their job provides.

“It’s actually good to know because my husband is a state employee so it’s good to know if we have another one,’ said Timmons.

The executive order announced by Governor Larry Hogan on Tuesday, will allow these state employees to take the paid days off anytime during the six months after the birth or adoption–once they’ve used their accumulated annual and personal leave.

“It’s incredible to be able to not only have the leave time but then the paid leave as well so that you’re really able to focus on being at home with the baby,” said licensed counselor for LifeMark Lindsay Stallings.

With the parental leave both mothers and fathers will be able to take the much needed time off to spend with their partners without the need to rush back to work so quickly.

“I was a stay at home mom for a while and that was such a gift to be able to do that but I would cry every time my husband would have to leave after all three of our kids because he actually didn’t have any paid leave,” said Stallings.

And now that these employees will be able to spend much needed time with their little ones a little while longer, the hope is that these benefits will soon be offered to every parent, not just those working for the state.

“To be able to think about that we’re moving in a direction of supporting women and husbands and wives and moms and dads to be able to stay home and care for their little ones for the first year is really really exciting,” said Stallings.

When asked about the importance of this new policy Hogan released this statement saying “Because being a new parent isn’t just about being home for the first six weeks following your son or daughter’s birth. It’s also the doctor’s appointments, check-ups, and other important needs in your child’s early stages of life.”