The Mississippi Free Press has published an op-ed written by Cassandra Welchlin, Executive Director of the Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable, and Kameron Dawson, Senior Staff Attorney at A Better Balance, advocating for the Mississippi State Senate to pass the Mississippi State Employees Paid Parental Leave Act. The op-ed highlights the importance of this legislation for Mississippi families, particularly mothers, caregivers, and workers who face significant challenges balancing work and family life.
The op-ed comes after the Mississippi House of Representatives passed the bill with overwhelming bipartisan support, taking a crucial step toward providing state employees with paid parental leave. The bill, now in the Senate, guarantees eight weeks of paid parental leave for primary caregivers and two weeks for secondary caregivers. It is seen as an important step in alleviating the burden on Mississippi’s working families, especially in light of the state’s ongoing economic challenges and disparities in maternal and infant health.
“We are at a pivotal moment for Mississippi’s families,” said Cassandra Welchlin, Executive Director of the Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable. “This bill would ensure that more families can bond with their children without the added stress of financial insecurity. It is a critical policy change that aligns with the needs of Mississippi’s hard working parents and caregivers.”
While the Mississippi State Employees Paid Parental Leave Act is an important first step, the op-ed highlights areas for improvement, including the need for broader family leave policies to cover ongoing medical care and caregiving needs. The op-ed also stresses that nearly 79% of workers in Mississippi do not have access to paid family leave through their employers, with low-wage workers of color facing even greater challenges.
“Mississippi is one of only 12 states that do not offer paid parental leave for their state employees,” said Kameron Dawson. “By passing this bill, Mississippi will not only support families but will also help address workforce shortages, improve employee retention, and boost economic productivity.”
The Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable and A Better Balance urge the Mississippi State Senate to act quickly and pass the bill, ensuring that Mississippi’s working families receive the support they deserve. Both organizations continue to advocate for policies that protect and uplift working families, and they remain committed to educating legislators about the importance of paid family leave.
