Williams Puts Families First with Recently Introduced Legislation

COLUMBUS – State Representative Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.) has introduced five pieces of legislation recently as a part of his ‘Family First Agenda’, an effort to support the nuclear family in Ohio.

“We are seeing declining birth rates and declining marriage rates in Ohio, leading people away from the natural family,” said Williams. “Data doesn’t lie, what is best for children’s development is to have a two-parent household, so these pieces of legislation are designed to support that lifestyle and give the next generation of Ohioans the best chance at success.”

Williams’ legislation focuses on supporting marriage, helping babies and pregnant mothers, and celebrating natural families. 

Invest in Marriage Act 

This legislation will create an income tax credit for employers that participate in the Invest in Marriage Act by providing a ‘marriage bonus’ to employees. A bonus of at least $1,000 can be provided to employees in the same calendar year of their marriage after they submit a marriage license or record of marriage to the employer.

Baby Bonus Act

Like the Invest in Marriage Act, this legislation will create an income tax credit for employers that participate in this program to provide at least $1,000 bonus for an employee or an employee’s spouse that gives birth or adopts a child. To qualify for the bonus the employee must submit a copy of a birth certificate or adoption records to their employer.

Assisted IVF Reproduction

Williams has also introduced legislation to help with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), or assisted reproduction. A single cycle of IVF can cost anywhere between $12,000-$30,000. This legislation will create an income tax credit for employers that subsidize an employee’s insurance coverage for assisted reproduction treatments. 

Paid Parental Leave Act 

The Paid Parental Leave Act will create an income tax credit for employers that provide paid parental leave to their employees. Employers must provide at least 56 days of paternity leave and pay employees 100% of their salary during their leave time.  The legislation will also ensure that paternity leave will not deduct time from other paid leave times. 

“There really isn’t a set standard for paternity leave in Ohio,” said Williams. “Some employers provide very little, while others are very generous. The Paid Parental Leave Act will promote providing this leave for mothers and fathers to during this critical development time for their newborn.”

Natural Family Month

Lastly, Williams has introduced legislation to celebrate the nuclear family with the creation of the Natural Family Month. The weeks between Mother’s Day, the second Sunday in May, to Father’s Day, the third Sunday in June, will make up the month. This legislation, House Bill 262, had it’s first hearing in the House Community Revitalization Committee recently and awaits additional hearings.