SACRAMENTO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, Governor Gavin Newsom convened a Paid Family Leave Task Force for
their first in a series of meetings. The Task Force is intended to
design a policy and funding roadmap to achieving the Governor’s vision
for providing all California newborns with six months of bonding time
with their parents. Erin Gabel, Deputy Director of External and
Governmental Affairs for First 5 California, was appointed to the
newly-established Paid Family Leave Task Force.
“I want to thank the Governor for his commitment in creating a
California for all vision that starts with our children,” said Ms.
Gabel. “Paid Family Leave, during those crucial first months of a baby’s
life, is a developmental necessity.”
Governor Newsom has appointed a diverse group of representatives from
across the state, including members of the business, legal, policy,
science, and early learning communities, to put their collective
expertise together and design real options to meet the family leave
needs of newborns, employers, employees, and their families. The
Governor’s goal is to leverage Paid Family Leave to reap greater
lifetime benefits for all.
The Task Force will examine California’s nation-leading Paid Family
Leave Program and develop options to increase leave access, provide
better job protections, and to expand the length of coverage for
California’s workers. Studies have shown that paid family leave allows
parents and caregivers to bond with their newborns, and set our littlest
community members on a course for better health and greater success in
life.
“Having a Governor who understands the brain science and how Paid Family
Leave plays a role in allowing parents the precious time to Talk.
Read. Sing.© with their babies, is a once
in a lifetime opportunity,” said Ms. Gabel. “Children and families
thriving will help lift all of Californians.”
The Task Force is due to provide its recommendations to the Governor by
the end of 2019.
About First 5 California
First 5 California was established in 1998 when voters passed
Proposition 10, which taxes tobacco products to fund services for
children ages 0 to 5 and their families. First 5 California programs and
resources are designed to educate and support teachers, parents, and
caregivers in the critical role they play during a child’s first five
years – to help California kids receive the best possible start in life
and thrive. For more information, please visit www.ccfc.ca.gov.
Contacts
Erin Gabel
916.708.8895
