SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Gavin Newsom’s announced three major changes in his revised state budget proposal.
At the top of Newsom's agenda is expanding the paid family leave program from six weeks to eight weeks. That would be an extra two weeks per parent to spend with their newborn. Newsom says his goal is to add much more time though.
“Providing the time for families that are in stress because of a newborn, and the stress of balancing work with all of that, this is incredibly important. I will say this is a stubborn issue because we want to get to six months. By the way, it’s two weeks per parent, so it’s potentially another month for a child,” said Newsom.
Another big change we could see coming is making diapers tax free. Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez says she has been working on this proposal for five years.
“We know this tax break would give the average family in California $100 to $120 a year, per child. That’s enough to diaper your child for a full month,” Gonzalez said.
Another tax break would be on women’s menstrual products. Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia says women’s bodies are not a luxury or something to be ashamed about.
“I’ve heard of young girls who tell me that they use socks or newspapers or that they miss school. Getting rid of the tax makes it more affordable,” Garcia said.
Newsom said his wife, First Partner Jennifer Siebel-Newsom was instrumental in his support for these changes.
For more on the revised budget head over to the Office of Governor Newsome website.
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