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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A new women and family advocacy coalition is backing three legislative proposals, including one that would offer state employees paid paternal leave.
Stephanie Pitcher, coordinator of the Utah Women's Coalition, said Wednesday during the group's inaugural meeting that it would also support a bill sponsored by Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, that would create accommodations for pregnant and breastfeeding employees. The group is also backing a proposal from Sen. Jim Dabakis, D-Salt Lake City, that would prohibit private businesses from discrimination based on breastfeeding.
"Utah is the family state," Dabakis said. "That's what we are. That's what we're proud of."
The paid paternity leave bill is sponsored by Rep. Angela Romero, D-Salt Lake City. While the coalition said the bill would grant six weeks of paid leave for state employees, Romero said she is still determining how much time it would grant.
Utah currently offers 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a new child or a serious health condition, which is required under federal law.
Wendy Peterson, the deputy director for Utah's Department of Human Resource Management, said state employees can also use accumulated sick leave, paid leave or compensatory time when taking time off after a birth or adoption of a child.
Pitcher said the organization's goal is to improve the lives of women and families. She said the coalition will likely support additional bills this legislative session, which starts Jan. 25.
"It's just a matter of seeing as the bills come out and if it aligns with our mission and objectives," Pitcher said.
The coalition is made up of legislators, community advocates and nonprofit organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union and Voices for Utah Children.
The idea for the group came up during last year's legislative session when Pitcher said she noticed few groups helping with breastfeeding legislation.
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