JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Jason Holsman, D-Kansas City, issued the following statement regarding governor’s executive order on paid family leave, a policy for state employees in the executive branch agencies that would provide six weeks of paid leave to parents and other caregivers, issued Monday:
“One of the things that state government can do is to lead by example, especially on issues related to personnel and workplace policies. That’s why I am pleased to see a bipartisan effort to improve and expand family leave policies for state employees throughout Missouri.
“Earlier this year, I joined my colleagues in the Senate Democratic Caucus in advocating for new family leave policies put forward by the state’s Personnel Advisory Board. Perhaps most encouraging — and definitely the most impactful — was the inspiring announcement this week from the governor. I also applaud the state auditor for her announcement last month that she was implementing improved policies for the 100-plus employees in the State Auditor’s Office. To continue this progress, we must bring these policies to the remaining corners of government, including the other statewide offices, our constitutional departments, boards and commissions, and the State Legislature.
“Going forward, I pledge to continue working with members of the Legislature as well as the state’s Personnel Advisory Board to follow the state auditor and governor’s lead in improving and expanding pro-family policies for legislative branch employees. Improving family leave policies for state employees also helps the State of Missouri recruit and retain an excellent workforce, which in turn, will make our government operate as efficiently and effectively as possible. Together, we can continue making Missouri a great place to live, work and raise a family.”