Following Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic path through northwest Florida, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) met with local officials and volunteers from Citrus County. Senator Rubio also met with small business owners impacted by the storm. Photos are courtesy of...
Following Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic damage, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) met with first responders, local officials, and volunteers in Pasco County. Photos are courtesy of Senator Rubio’s office. Senator Rubio meets with the Pasco County Sheriff Chris...
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) met with Cedar Key residents and homeowners who were impacted by Hurricane Helene. Rubio then met with members of the aquaculture industry to discuss the impact multiple hurricanes have had on the industry. Photos are courtesy of...
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) visited the Taylor County Emergency Operation Center (EOC) and Keaton Beach, an area highly impacted by Hurricane Helene. Photos are courtesy of Senator Rubio’s office. Senator Rubio meets with Taylor County Sheriff Wayne Padgett....
After making landfall as a Category 4 storm, Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic damage along Florida’s Gulf Coast. It’s crucial for Floridia’s farmers to receive the necessary resources for recovery. U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), and...
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s (R-FL) office will host a two day in-person event to assist constituents affected by Hurricane Helene and help navigate applications for FEMA assistance. Food, water, and additional resources will be available at the events. Event...
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) today released the following statement after Mayor Lenny Curry announced his proposal to introduce a parental leave policy that would provide City of Jacksonville employees with similar support and offerings:
“I’m excited Mayor Curry is working to provide paid family leave to City of Jacksonville employees,” said Rubio. “From the rising cost of living to the historically high cost of raising children, affordable family formation is one of the great social challenges of our time. While certain pro-family economic policies are not traditionally part of the Republican agenda, it is my goal to change that – because we cannot have a strong America without strong families. I’m glad to see momentum on this issue in Congress and at the local level. I commend Mayor Curry for his leadership in supporting Florida’s families, and look forward to building on our efforts to create the social and economic flexibility needed for raising children.”
“My wife and I agree that there was never a more exciting or exhausting time in our lives than the births of our children,” said Curry. “While there is a great deal of research that speaks to the direct influence women have on their children’s success, I know first-hand the tremendous value and benefit our family received when Molly was able to stay home with our new babies. I believe all families deserve an environment where parents and newborns get an opportunity to bond without the worry of work demands and stresses of a reduced income.”
The plan, to be introduced to union officials for collective bargaining after October 1, offers parents employed by the City six weeks of paid leave following the birth or adoption of a child. Statistics support that paid leave can have a positive impact on the health of children and families. In addition to health benefits, there are also long-term economic benefits for both families and employers who offer paid leave.
Following its collective bargaining success and ratification by City Council, the City of Jacksonville would be among few city governments in the state to offer a paid parental leave policy. Currently, employees who qualify can take up to 12 weeks of leave utilizing their available leave in conjunction with unpaid leave following a birth, in adherence with Family Medical Leave Act guidelines. With this policy, COJ employees will be granted six weeks of paid parental leave, affording them the opportunity to maintain some of their leave balances.
About the City of Jacksonville
The City of Jacksonville is the largest city by land mass in the continental United States, serving approximately 850,000 residents. Located in Duval County, City of Jacksonville leadership includes the mayor and a 19-member City Council. To learn more about the City of Jacksonville, visit COJ.net.