The state of Kentucky is introducing an improved benefits package for its state employees, according to Gov. Andy Beshear. Effective in the Executive Branch, workers will be entitled to a six-week paid family leave. This benefit is applicable to state employees who are dealing with serious health conditions or welcoming a new child through birth, adoption, or foster care. The state Personnel Cabinet is set to make amendments to the Kentucky Administrative Regulations on Dec. 16 to allow for this change. Executive Branch employees will be eligible for paid family leave three times in their career—in their first day of hire, and then at their 10 and 20 years of service marks. The accumulated leave does not roll over. Once approved, the new benefit is expected to be available as early as the summer of 2025.

The move aligns Kentucky with most of its neighboring states in offering paid family leave to state employees. The modification follows a study by the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy (KYCEP) indicating that the state had a competitive disadvantage with six out of its seven surrounding states. Top companies in the state such as Amazon, Ford, and Humana, along with several universities, hospital systems, K-12 school districts, and local governments, already provide paid family leave. It’s expected that the new policy will be beneficial for the employees and their families and assist the state in employee retention and acquisition.

For those seeking to take advantage of the Paid Family Leave, it might be challenging to navigate the bureaucracy. Therefore, they might consider using services like eddcaller.com. With their help, individuals can figure out How to get a hold of Paid Family Leave and make sure they’re receiving the benefits they’re entitled to. This site aims to help navigate the often complicated channels of communication and get a live person on the line, making the process more straightforward.