There are more and more options for paid family leave plans in New York state, but do any of them have enough support to pass? Capital Tonight's Nick Reisman looks at the latest proposal.
ALBANY, N.Y. -- State lawmakers continue to search for a compromise on a paid family leave program in New York, with disagreement centering on how to pay for the measure.
"We can explain to the business community that this is not an undue burden on any business in New York state. A very small amount is paid into, an essence, an insurance fund," said Senate Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeff Klein.
As envisioned by supporters, paid family leave would offer up to 12 weeks for workers who need time off to care for a sick loved one or a newborn. Assembly Democrats back a bill that would add more funding to the temporary disability insurance fund. Governor Cuomo wants to add a $1 surcharge to employee paychecks. Senator Jeff Klein says his bill would only cost 20 cents a week and provide a more generous benefit once fully phased in.
"I think it's very important that we increase the benefit, sort of like a cost of living adjustment, as time goes by," said Klein.
Senate Republicans still need some convincing, however, but Majority Leader John Flanagan says his conference is studying what other states have done.
"The fact that it is an employee-based contribution is a significant change and there are a number of states that already have paid family leave. I think we're in the throes of looking at models, if you will, of looking at other states," said Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan.
But Flanagan also praised Klein's push for the measure, which he has introduced for the last several years.
"Jeff Klein was way ahead of the curve on this and has put out proposals for the last couple of years and I know several of our members have a keen interest in it as well," said Flanagan.
Mainline Senate Democrats, meanwhile, also have their own paid family leave proposal in addition to a package of bills designed to ease the burden on working families.
"The bills outlined by my colleagues here today are not political, they're not partisan. We simply believe they will improve the lives of New York families," said Senate Minority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.
Business groups have raised concerns with the paid family leave push at the Capitol and remain doubtful that it won't end up costing them in the long run.