Kentucky to Offer Paid Leave for State Employees

Gov. Andy Beshear said the move ‘is the right thing to do’ for the state’s employees.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear speaks during a news conference after a gunman opened fire at the Old National Bank building in Louisville on April 10, 2023. Luke Sharrett/Getty Images

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced Thursday that Kentucky will soon provide state employees with paid leave to bond with a new child or address serious medical issues.

Under the plan, executive branch employees will receive up to six weeks of paid leave, available three times during their careers, Beshear said. New hires will be eligible immediately, with additional six-week periods offered at 10 and 20 years of service.