 The president's budget proposal eliminates public media funding. Learn how you can help at lptv.org slash action. Well the thought of having a baby is exciting for some. At the same time it can be stressful. Some parents worry about parental leave. Haiti Clotter shows us how one company in Bemidji is putting family first. For Cory Root, being a new dad all over again for the fourth time around is a little different for him and his family. He's not as stressed because his employer Affinity Plus offered him paid family leave. It allowed us to take the stress of work and finances out of the way and just focus on the family. The benefit gives new mothers and fathers six weeks of paid leave after the birth or adoption of a child. To be able to bond with Grady and spend time and really just focus on the family and not have the stress of of time and away from work and finances. How am I going to get through this stressful time with medical bills and just time off work and still be able to maintain and provide for the family. So it's it's been huge. It's been a huge stress leave. Root is now back at work but was able to spend plenty of time with his now one month old son Grady. Root's wife Stephanie also appreciated the extra help she received around the house. So it definitely made a big difference and I I mostly don't notice it when he went back to work and I realized you know I was kind of just you know having to do it all by myself. So it was it was very nice a big change. The announcement for parental leave was made at the all employee day meeting and it brought out several emotions from employees. Regardless if an employee is full-time or part-time they will earn 100% of their paycheck while on leave. There were a lot of expectant parents in the room that didn't know about the benefit and it was highly emotional. There was a standing ovation, hugs, tears. It was just a huge reaction from our employees. The six weeks of paid parental leave would save the average state employee $6,200 in lost income. According to the office of Governor Mark Dayton and Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith. Once they come back all of their accrued sick leave and vacation aren't completely gone. They didn't have to use it all to be paid while they're on their leave spending time with their family. So they have some of that leave still there when they come back. Employers can retaliate against an employee for requesting or taking a leave. Newbeck says there are currently four employees in Bemidji taking advantage of the parental leave benefit. In Bemidji, Hady Clodder, Lakeland News. The benefit began on February 20th when it was announced to staff. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.