Watch CBS News

Gov. Brown Approves Increased Family Leave Pay

SACRAMENTO (CBS / AP) -- California's Democratic governor is increasing the amount of pay employers must give workers who take time off to care for their family.

Gov. Jerry Brown signed AB908 Monday to update the state's paid family leave law, saying he wants to create a "more decent and empathetic kind of community."

Californians can take up to six weeks off work to bond with a new child or care for sick family members and receive 55 percent of their wages.

The measure increases the pay to 60 percent of wages starting in 2018 and creates a new classification for low-income workers to receive 70 percent of their pay.

There was little opposition voiced in the state Legislature. Last week Brown signed legislation boosting California's minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2022.

© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.