parental leave

Working moms across the country are organizing to support each other — and fight for a social safety net they feel is lacking in this country.

Less than one-fifth the largest school districts offer paid parental leave for teachers, and only a handful of states guarantee it. That leaves few options for educators who want to start a family.

StateImpact’s Logan Layden sat down with education reporter Beth Wallis for a breakdown of what education measures Oklahomans are going to get for their money after a contentious 2023 legislative session.

After a months-long standoff, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt and legislative leaders are celebrating a deal on this year’s education budget worth $625 million in recurring funds and $160 million in one-time funds.

As Gov. Kevin Stitt continues to veto bills until an education funding stalemate ends, the Oklahoma Senate unveiled its new education package Thursday in the hopes of moving closer to the finish line.

Oklahoma Senate Republicans unveiled their plan to attract and keep teachers, and Senate Bill 364 is getting a lot of attention — it would mandate 12 weeks of paid maternity leave for full-time school employees. Teacher moms around the state shared their stories with StateImpact.

In a Wednesday press conference, Republican Sen. Adam Pugh — who also chairs the Education Committee — unveiled his plan for education reform during the upcoming legislative session.

Coastal and politically progressive states have passed stronger paid sick and family leave policies than many states with larger rural populations.

The new guidance is for birthing and non-birthing parents, including parents who recently adopted a child and parents who used a surrogate.

The first week of Oklahoma's legislative session is complete. StateImpact's Robby Korth reports where education issues stand.