Sen. Kirt files legislation adding paid leave to Quality Jobs criteria

OKLAHOMA CITY – State Sen. Julia Kirt has filed legislation for the 2024 session that would add paid leave to the qualifications for Oklahoma’s Quality Jobs Program. The program offers qualifying companies quarterly cash rebates equal to up to five percent of newly created taxable payroll for up to 10 years. Senate Bill 1267 would require a company to provide at least 12 weeks paid family leave and at least two weeks of additional paid leave, such as sick leave, to qualify for those incentives.  

“Quality Jobs has been our state’s flagship program for job creation since 1993. SB 1267 will help us modernize and enhance the kind of jobs we’re incentivizing,” said Kirt, D-Oklahoma City. “The majority of Oklahoma workers do not have paid leave and can’t even afford to take unpaid leave when they or family members are ill. Quality Jobs is the benchmark we use for many of our economic development programs, so we need to make sure it’s the gold standard. When we consider how best to invest in great jobs that help families be self-sufficient, strengthen our local economies, and keep our state competitive, we must think about benefits, not just wages.”

Kirt said studies have shown that paid leave is good for the economy for multiple reasons. Paid leave increases employee satisfaction and increases retention, plus the announcement of paid leave packages has increased companies’ share prices. She noted companies lose more productivity when employees come to work sick than when they take paid leave to recover.

“It’s also important to look at how paid leave impacts Oklahoma families. Access to paid leave is consistently correlated with lower infant mortality, and children recover from illness most quickly when they are cared for by a parent,” Kirt said. “Additionally, mothers with access to paid leave see more consistent wage increases so families can keep up with the cost of raising children. Ensuring Quality Jobs represents opportunities that are a cut above is at the heart of this program. Adding paid leave to the program is good for businesses, families, and our economy.”

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Julia Kirt at 405-521-5636 or Julia.Kirt@oksenate.gov