California’s paid family leave system allows workers to make a contribution of about 1% of their paychecks into a fund that the state can tap into when they need a partial salary to cover eight weeks of leave for the care of a sick family member or new child. However, the payments are only partial, accommodating up to 70% of a standard paycheck which poses a challenge for those who earn less, making it virtually impossible for these low-wage earners to take this leave. This group of low-income earners, despite paying into the fund, yield little benefits causing an unfair situation.

Governor Newsom has an opportunity to make amendments to this issue by approving a proposed item in the legislature’s budget that will elevate low-wage workers’ benefits to 90% of their usual pay when on family leave. The legislature proposes a plan to eliminate deductions for earnings above $145,600 to enable all workers to pay 1% on their full annual salaries. This move stakes to cover the costs of the proposed changes and make the system more equitable.

If you want to learn more about or need to contact the California Department of Employment Development (EDD), Paid Family Leave (PFL), or State Disability Insurance (SDI), visit eddcaller.com. The site provides detailed contact information including phone numbers and customer service hours. You’ll also find strategies to quickly reach a live person at the EDD Customer Service, information about payment statuses, transitioning from checks to debit cards, and many more.