In the near future, I plan to introduce the Small Necessities Leave Act, legislation that would require employers in the Commonwealth to provide paid time off for employees’ children’s school activities, such as parent-teacher conferences and medical appointments.
 
With more and more parents working full-time jobs, it has become increasingly difficult for parents to be present for milestone moments or necessary medical appointments. Over the past two decades, states from Louisiana to California have enacted similar versions of the Small Necessities Leave Act to support working families.
 
This legislation aims to support parents and their children during the school year, whether for parent-teacher conferences or unexpected school closures due to weather conditions. The legislation would require employees and employers to agree on appropriate allotment of time usage. Furthermore, this legislation would protect parents from demotion or termination for using allotted time.
 
Please join me in co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation to ensure working parents can be present in supporting their children.