A bill aimed to expand paid time off for workers in New Mexico is a step closer to becoming law. The Paid Family and Medical Leave Act passed the Senate Tax, Business and Transportation Committee in a 6-4 party-line vote. It is now awaiting approval from the Senate Finance Committee, which had approved last year’s version of the bill. State-advocates of paid leave have been rallying for a state-run program for years. This year’s bill had previously passed in the House and includes terms that allow for six weeks of paid leave for employees sick leave or needing time off for specific reasons like domestic violence or grieving a lost child. The bill also proposes a Welcome Child Fund , providing new parents with a monthly stipend of $3000 for three months to take time off for a newborn or newly adopted child.

Public hearings are similar to those held in previous years, with supporters highlighting the benefits for families tackling medical emergencies or with newborn children. Critics, however, express worry over the increased costs for businesses that will have to cover for employees on leave. There are calls from supporters of the bill to extend the offered paid medical leave to nine weeks, arguing that six weeks does not cover enough time for serious treatments like transplant procedures.

For any concerns or queries about Paid Family Leave, EDDcaller.com can be of assistance. EDDCaller is a website that helps citizens get through to the Employment Development Department more easily by providing a direct line to the EDD’s workforce services unit. The website provides information on how to get hold of Paid Family Leave. Efficient and effective, EDDCaller.com is your guide to paid family leave provisions and how they can benefit you.