Paid parental leave for state employees
goes into effect July 1
A new policy with paid leave following the birth or adoption of a child goes into effect today (Wednesday, July 1) for all ITD employees. With the updated policy, employees may now take eight weeks of paid time away without pulling from sick or vacation hours.
In January, Governor Little signed the Families First Act (Executive Order 2020-003) for eligible State of Idaho employees within the executive branch to provide up to eight weeks of paid parental leave due to the birth of a child or adoption of a child. Previously, the state had offered up to 12 weeks of paid leave if that employee already had enough sick leave or vacation hours to cover the entire period.
“I’m excited to be able to offer this great benefit to our employees,” Chief Human Resources Officer Brenda Williams said. “It is important for new parents to spend time with their children without worrying about lost wages.”
For Nic Huggins, an operator based in Coeur d’Alene, it means more time with his son, Colson, who was born June 17 weighing 6 pounds 13 ounces and measuring 21.5 inches. Nic and Colson are pictured above.
“It’s awesome,” Huggins said. “It helps that I can spend time with my son, rotating duties with my wife or taking care of things.”
Huggins started with the Idaho Department of Labor in 2010 and became a full-time employee with ITD in 2012. He said the new policy is unexpected, but definitely appreciated.
“It’s a big surprise,” Huggins said. “No one really expects this.”
As a first-time father, Huggins said it has been a major change.
“It’s nothing you’re used to, sleeping one hour at time,” Huggins said. “There’s no way I could set an alarm for 4 a.m. and show up to work with this little of sleep.”
Other members of Huggins’ crew are looking forward to using the policy as they start or expand their families. If you are expecting the birth or adoption of a child, make sure to talk to your HR representative so you can maximize your family time. The district-by-district HR reps are listed below:
D1 – Jessica Garrison
D2 – Kelsie Corder
D3 – Peggy McGown
D4 – Asa Turner
D5 – Rebecca Neese
D6 – Claire Winstead
HQ – Joe Webber
Published 07-01-20