Representatives Josh Williams and Melanie Miller Provide Sponsor Testimony for the Paid Parental Leave Act

State Representatives Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.) and Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) recently provided sponsor testimony for House Bill 231, the Paid Parental Leave Act - legislation to support Ohio families and incentivize employers to offer paid parental leave.

This legislation will create a nonrefundable tax credit for qualified employers that offer paid parental leave benefits. House Bill 231 would do the following:

• Provide a credit that is equal the lesser of the amount of benefits paid to the employee, or $300 per day of paid parental leave.
• Allow businesses to claim the credit in the tax year when benefits are paid, up to a maximum of $54,000 per year.
• If a business earns more credit than it can use in a given year, it can carry the excess forward for up to three years.

"Strong families are the foundation of a strong Ohio," said Williams. "The Paid Parental Leave Act rewards employers who invest in their employees' well-being and gives parents the time they need to bond with and care for their newborns. Supporting family stability and workforce participation go hand in hand."

"Ohio has the opportunity to lead by example by supporting policies that strengthen families, improve child health outcomes, and make our workforce more competitive and compassionate," said Miller. "The Paid Parental Leave Act helps ensure Ohio remains a place where both employers and families can grow and thrive."

The legislation awaits further consideration in House Ways and Means Committee.