‘Small businesses will not bounce back from this’: Gee and Ursula debate the new paid family leave bill
Mar 13, 2025, 5:00 AM | Updated: 11:23 am
Family advocates for paid leave. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images)
(Photo courtesy of Getty Images)
KIRO Newsradio’s Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin have some differing opinions when it comes to a new Washington bill that could extend paid family leave benefits to employees of small businesses.
The bill, which has passed the House and is awaiting Senate approval, would require companies with fewer than 50 employees to contribute to the paid family leave fund and ensure job protection for employees on leave.
Ursula, co-host of “The Gee and Ursula Show,” expressed her support for the bill, noting the positive impact it would have on employees.
“As someone who did end up having to use paid family leave, I see the benefit. I see how it can benefit,” she said.
However, Ursula also acknowledged potential abuses and empathized with small business owners.
“I think that for those who are just barely making the margins, I think that might be the final straw,” she added.
Related from MyNorthwest: Paid family and medical leave may soon prove costly for small businesses under WA House bill
Paid family leave has benefits but could hurt small businesses
Gee shared his concerns about the bill’s impact on small businesses, emphasizing that many are already struggling. He supported the concept of paid family leave, but feared that additional financial burdens could force some small businesses to close.
“Small businesses will not be able to bounce back from this,” Gee stated, stressing the need for more support and funding to help small businesses comply with the new regulations.
The hosts also referenced a University of Washington study that found a stark disparity in job protection between high-wage and low-wage workers. While 70% of high-wage workers have job protection when taking leave, only 16% of low-wage workers do.
Ursula and Gee debated whether similar protections in Europe could be implemented in Washington, considering the different tax structures and business environments.
Related from MyNorthwest: Washington’s paid family leave premiums to increase Jan. 1
Listen to Gee and Ursula on “The Gee and Ursula Show” weekday mornings from 9am to 12am on KIRO Newsradio.
