KENTUCKY — On this week’s “In Focus Kentucky” program, we’re discussing proposals in Frankfort to provide paid leave for state workers. 

At the end of last year, Gov. Andy Beshear D-Ky., announced his plan to provide state employees with paid time off so they can bond with a new child or deal with a serious medical situation. The added benefit would come because of an executive order and give state executive branch workers up to six weeks of paid leave, available in three intervals during an employee’s career.

During this segment State Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington weighs in on the Governor’s proposal, which is like her plan that failed to pass during the 2024 General Assembly legislative session. Sen. Bledsoe’s bill would have allowed eligible state employees to take up to four weeks of paid parental leave. It passed the state Senate but died in the House of Representatives.

“I know there is allowance for that time off, mostly because sometimes childcares aren’t available, kind of with a little window. So it’s an expansion of my proposal, for sure, and also it’s very unique. And having it, you get it first day, and only the first 10 years you can use it, then you can have a re-up in the next 10 years. Very unique plan that he’s proposed, and I think it deserves a little bit more public scrutiny. We’ll go through the administrative reg process, and then we’ll see,” explains Sen. Bledsoe.

You can watch the full ‘In Focus Kentucky’ segment in the player above.