Some Leave Mandates Actually Hurt California Workers

California’s Legislature doesn’t understand the costs associated with extended leave bills. 

When small businesses are required to offer 12 weeks of protected leave, they often have to hold positions open, eliminate positions, or raise prices to cover their costs.

Ashley Hoffman, Policy Advocate for the California Chamber of Commerce, and fellow SacTown Talks panelist, says that some small businesses used to offer subsidized child care as a benefit for their employees. Due to the new extended leave bills, they had to drop that program. Their employees would have rather had subsidized child care than 12 weeks of protected leave.  

Tom Sheehy, Principal and Founder of Sheehy Strategy Group, says that at some point, businesses have to balance the books however they can. Otherwise, they’ll have to close their doors. 

California’s Legislature needs to wake up. The bills meant to help employees might ultimately be harming them. What good are 12 weeks of leave if you get laid off? 

Need help dealing with California lawmakers or regulators? Contact us for a free consultation or for information on proposals to represent you.