Erie County's top fiscal watchdog says the family leave policy for county employees is outdated and should be changed to allow parents precious paid time to bond with newborns or newly adopted children. But he also any changes to come with no additional burden to taxpayers.
Current family leave policy for county workers calls for six weeks of unpaid leave for mothers who delivered babies via natural childbirth. Mothers who underwent Caesarian sections are allowed up to eight weeks.
Erie County Comptroller Stefan Mychajliw says the ability to bond with new children is essential for both mothers and fathers.
"I think our maternity policies are quite outdated because of the fact that it only addresses whether or not mothers cannot physically perform the duties of county work," Mychajliw said. "I think that's outrageous and a little insulting."
He is inviting parents who care about the family leave issue to join his commission. That panel will explore possible ways to reform the family leave policy. But Mychajliw adds that any changes must be made without adversely affecting the budget.
"I want to see if there are instances within our county budget where we can make smart, sensitive cuts in order to make this important policy revenue-neutral," he said.
Additionally, Mychajliw is ordering his Division of Audit and Control to review the county's current policies available to people who have children or who adopt. The purpose of the review, he explained, will be to analyze and measure how reasonable and effective existing policies are.
Interested candidates can email resumes to comptroller@erie.gov. or call 716-858-8404.
