(The Center Square) – Ohio businesses that give employees paid parental leave could get a tax break.
It’s the second attempt to give the incentive in the Legislature. The first came late last year when a bill was introduced but failed to receive a hearing before lawmakers ended the two-year session.
Reps. Josh Williams, R-Sylvania Township, and Melanie Miller, R-Ashland, said they are trying again with hopes of attracting families and businesses to the state.
“The first few months of an infant’s life are extremely crucial to the establishment of these strong familial bonds,” Williams said. “By making it easier and more cost-effective for businesses to offer these benefits, we can attract families and businesses alike to our great state.”
The legislation would create a nonrefundable tax credit for qualified employers that offer paid parental leave to employees.
Currently, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Washington and Washington, D.C. offer a similar tax credit.
Democrats control each of those state legislatures. In Ohio, Republicans hold a super majority in both the House of Representatives and Senate.
“Parents should not have to miss out on their infant’s first few months of life and the bonds that are formed during that time,” Miller said. “By offering this commonsense tax credit, we are supporting our businesses and families alike.”
The bill hasn’t been assigned a number or to a committee, but last year’s bill capped the total tax credit at $54,000.
