- Associated Press - Wednesday, February 15, 2017

WASHINGTON (AP) - More than a half-million workers in the nation’s capital will get up to eight weeks of paid family leave under a law that Mayor Muriel Bowser has allowed to take effect without her signature.

Bowser, a Democrat, opposed the paid family leave bill and considered vetoing it, calling it a burden on businesses because it imposes a new tax. She also didn’t like that the benefits would be available to people who live outside the District.

The D.C. Council passed the bill with a veto-proof majority. Bowser said in a letter to the council Wednesday evening that she won’t veto the bill but she hopes to work with lawmakers to address its shortcomings.

The new law still has to survive a review by Congress, which has the final say over local laws in the District.

Copyright © 2024 The Washington Times, LLC.

Please read our comment policy before commenting.

Click to Read More and View Comments

Click to Hide