Paid parental leave for state workers considered in Missouri

     (AP) – Missouri lawmakers are pushing to give all state
workers paid parental leave after Republican Gov. Eric Greitens signed an order
providing the benefit to some executive branch employees.
     Greitens' order gives up to six weeks of additional paid leave to primary
caregivers and three weeks to secondary caregivers. It applies to workers in the
governor's office and agencies controlled by one of the governor's appointees.
     The Missouri Department of Transportation is also adopting the policy.
     House Speaker Todd Richardson said Friday that his chamber will work on
legislation to offer the same benefit to all state workers. But he warns that
with this year's session already half over, the Legislature's priorities have
long been set.
     Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard says his chamber is also discussing the
issue.