Assemblyman Josh Jensen is advocating for an expansion of the New York State Paid Family Leave (PFL) program to include National Guard members on domestic deployment. In a letter addressed to Governor Kathy Hochul and other state leaders, Jensen highlighted a gap in current state law that excludes these service members from workplace protections during their deployments.
Jensen emphasized the crucial role of the National Guard in responding to emergencies within New York, stating, “National Guard members leave their jobs, families and communities to respond to all types of emergencies across our state.” He noted that despite their significant contributions during crises such as natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, they are not afforded the same PFL benefits as other workers when deployed domestically.
Currently, New York’s PFL program supports workers during personal or family-related situations but does not extend these protections to National Guard members on state deployment. Jensen argues this omission subjects service members and their families to potential financial hardship and job insecurity.
In his correspondence with state officials, Jensen stressed the dual roles of Guardsmen as both military personnel and community members. “Our Guard members are also our neighbors. They’re teachers, parents, EMTs and small business owners,” he said. “They’ve answered the call time and time again. It’s time New York answers theirs by providing the same workplace protections we expect for all families.”
Jensen is urging either legislative changes or executive action to ensure that PFL benefits apply when National Guard members are deployed under state or federal orders.
