Detroit Evening Report: Gov. Whitmer advocates for guaranteed paid leave in Michigan

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is calling on Michigan lawmakers to create a new program expanding family and medical leave.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Whitmer made guaranteed paid time off after the birth of a child or for health reasons a key policy proposal in a speech she gave Wednesday in Lansing.

“It helps workers be there for their families,” Whitmer said in her 24-minute speech. “It gives you breathing room to get better when you’re sick, to bond with your baby or care for a family member. Right now, 77% of Michigan workers do not have access to paid family, medical leave.”

Whitmer also made the argument that paid leave would attract new residents to Michigan, as well as level the playing field between large companies that offer paid leave and small businesses that don’t.

Whitmer’s spokesman Bobby Leddy said the specifics would be worked out by lawmakers and the governor’s office.

Other headlines for Aug. 31, 2023:

• Michigan students grades 3-7 still below pre-pandemic levels in math and language arts skills
• Federal trial to decide if Michigan districts suppressed Black voters
• Detroit-Windsor Dance Academy resumes classes after flood damage
• Hart Plaza welcomes annual Detroit Jazz Fest during Labor Day weekend
• The Coloring Museum opening six-month pop-up in Detroit starting Sept. 1

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.