Macon-Bibb committee approves paid parental leave

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon-Bibb commissioners approved paid maternity and paternity leave for city employees. New moms used to have use their vacation and sick days. Now, they will get four weeks of paid leave.

Fathers and adoptive parents get one week. This resolution is similar to the one passed in Warner Robins in March. Commissioner Virgil Watkins is sponsoring the resolution with the support of Georgia Women and Those Who Stand with Us.

“For our city, our county, to step forward in support and say this is important for families is a great thing for our area and important for families here,” said Claire Cox, member of Georgia Women.

The resolution was passed in committee, but it still needs to be passed in commission in the next couple of weeks. Georgia Women is trying to help other surrounding counties adopt this policy. They are currently working with Houston County.