State workers eligible soon for new parental paid leave

Maryland state employees will enjoy a new benefit starting Monday: 60 days of paid leave after the birth or adoption of a child. The General Assembly passed the legislation in its 2018 session to grant the benefit and Republican Gov. Larry Hogan publicized it Tuesday in a news release in which he announced an executive order that adds flexibility to how parents can take the time off. The order allows workers to take the days anytime during the six months after a birth or adoption once they have used accumulated annual leave and personal leave. Also, parents will not have to use all of the additional 60 days in a block. “Because being a new parent isn’t just about being home for the first six weeks following your son or daughter’s birth,” Hogan said in the release. “It’s also the doctor’s appointments, check-ups, and other important needs in your child’s early stages of life.” Hogan’s release said he “supported and signed” the legislation that made the benefit possible. That phrase caught the eyes of Democrats, who noted the legislation was sponsored by Sen. Bill Ferguson, a Baltimore Democrat, and opposed by the Hogan administration. “I’m glad the governor has gotten on board after the hard work of passing the bill was done,” Ferguson said. Ferguson said he approached the administration early in the legislative process, seeking the governor’s support, but was rebuffed. In February, when the bill was before the Senate Finance Committee, Hogan’s Department of Budget and Management urged its defeat, saying state employees “currently enjoy a very generous paid leave package.” It suggested that employees who become parents could use sick leave, personal leave and vacation. The department also said the legislation would increase overtime spending in some agencies that must stay open around the clock. The Senate and House of Delegates passed the legislation by large margins, despite the opposition of most Republican lawmakers. Hogan signed the legislation May 15. couples being sued lived in Maryland. To become a federal case, all parties would have had to live in different states. Krawatsky was fired from Beth Tfiloh, a private Jewish school in Pikesville, amid allegations he abused boys at a camp in Frederick County. He denies the allegations and has not been charged with a crime.

Pasadena man dies in police custody

An autopsy completed Monday by the medical examiner’s office found “they did not observe any injuries consistent with causing his death.” The medical examiner is waiting on toxicology results before ruling a cause of death. A person who answered the phone at an address listed for Floyd said they were aware of what happened, but did not know the details nor want to comment. Police said it is an active investigation and that anyone with information is asked to call 410-2224731 or anonymously at 410-222-4700.