Trump’s 2018 Budget to Include Six Weeks Paid Parental Leave

By Kelsey Basten

Published on May 30, 2017

During his campaign, Trump supported six weeks of paid maternity leave. However, his 2018 budget reveals a push for not only six weeks of maternity leave, but also six weeks of paid leave for fathers and parents of adopted children. This budget is proposed to begin in 2020.

The Details

President Trump proposes to fund this fully paid leave through the current Unemployment Insurance system, which is administered through each state’s existing system. The budget indicates that reforms to the current Unemployment Insurance system will offset any associated costs – including reducing improper payments and assistance in finding jobs faster for the unemployed.

Will it Pass in Congress?

Currently, it is unknown whether the proposal will pass through Congress. On one side, lawmakers think it would place a further burden on the already troubled Unemployment Insurance program. Others are worried about the potential increase in payroll taxes required to fund the leave pay. Also, there are supporters who welcome the plan as it is.

Other Important Budget Items

Merging of EEOC and OFCCP

The budget proposes to combine the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), as each group’s goal is to eliminate and prevent employment discrimination.

To merge the two, Congress would need to amend certain laws and rules. If approved, the merger will most likely occur by September 2018.

Also, this would lead to changes in both EEO and federal contractor postings. It is still unknown if these changes will be mandatory, however.

Mandatory E-Verify

The budget proposes to make E-Verify participation mandatory nationwide. Currently only employers in certain states and federal contractors are required to utilize the program. The budget would expand to all employers and be fully implemented within three years. This requirement would require congressional approval.

See GovDocs Labor Law News blog post from early May on E-Verify for more information.

Department of Labor Budget Decrease

The budget reduces the Department of Labor’s current budget by close to 20%. In addition, it would include a 6% cut for the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).