Supervisor Gaspar proposes package of paid parental leave benefits for San Diego County employees

SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – San Diego County Supervisor Kristin Gaspar is proposing a package of benefits to help support working families which will come before the Board of Supervisors on January 28. If approved, the plan would implement eight weeks of paid parental leave for County employees, explore options for on-site childcare at county facilities and introduce a lactation policy to support nursing mothers.

Gaspar held a press conference to detail her proposal Tuesday morning. She was accompanied by Dave Leonhardi of the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, Stafanie Benvenuto of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Laura Kohn from the San Diego Workforce Partnership, Rudolph Johnson of Neighborhood House Association, and Blake Hofstad of the Education Enrichment Services and Parent Voices San Diego.

Gaspar said San Diego is facing a childcare crisis, explaining there are simply not enough childcare facilities in San Diego County. Nearly two-thirds of parents have difficulty finding high quality care that is dependable, convenient and affordable. Gaspar further explained how the childcare shortage is having a major impact on businesses and our regional economy.

Gaspar’s plan would have on-site childcare for County employees to address the problem and benefit county employees.