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In a major win for working families in Georgia, Governor Kelly announced today that starting in 2026, all employers in the state will be required to provide paid family leave to their employees. This groundbreaking legislation comes after years of advocacy from labor rights groups and is expected to have a significant impact on Georgia's workforce.Under the new law, all employers with 50 or more employees will be required to provide up to 12 weeks of paid family leave for both new parents and employees caring for a sick family member. This marks a significant improvement from the current system, which only guarantees unpaid leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act.Governor Kelly highlighted the importance of paid family leave in promoting a healthy work-life balance for all Georgians. "No one should have to choose between taking care of their loved ones and keeping their job," she said in a statement. "Paid family leave is not only good for families but also for businesses, as it leads to greater employee retention and productivity."The new law also includes provisions for small businesses with fewer than 50 employees to opt into a state-run paid family leave insurance program, which will provide financial support to cover the costs of paid leave. This ensures that all workers in Georgia, regardless of the size of their employer, will have access to this crucial benefit.Labor rights advocates have praised the new law as a long-overdue step towards providing greater economic security for Georgia workers. "Paid family leave is a basic human right that should be guaranteed to all workers," said Sarah Johnson, the executive director of the Georgia Workers' Union. "This law will help ensure that no one has to choose between their job and their family in their time of need."Employers will have until the end of 2025 to prepare for the new requirements, including updating their policies and payroll systems to accommodate paid family leave. The Georgia Department of Labor will also provide resources and support to help businesses comply with the new law.Overall, the introduction of paid family leave in Georgia represents a significant advancement in the state's labor policies and is expected to have a positive impact on both workers and businesses. As workers across the state celebrate this victory, advocates are hopeful that other states will follow Georgia's lead in prioritizing the well-being of working families.