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modifications for tax credits, but it would help offset the cost and taxpayer burden. Another suggestion would be to <br /> eliminate or reduce "annual wage increase"to fund the paid parental Leave. Just some suggestions.) <br /> Lastly, what is the overall impact to the taxpayer? Will these costs be absorbed within the City's budget by offsets in <br /> other categories, or will they inevitably be increases and potentially passed on to the taxpayer? Also, consider the ripple <br /> effect to the other unions and municipalities within the state.The Ordinance states : "the City of Lakewood seeks to be a <br /> leader in our City and region by offering these benefits and setting an example for other communities to do the same." <br /> Note...Lakewood already has one of the highest property tax rates in Cuyahoga County, and relatively lower reciprocity <br /> reductions for other municipalities as part of the city income tax. <br /> "Equity and Inclusion" <br /> These words proliferate "narratives"throughout the country. Let me give you a slightly different yet important twist <br /> focusing on two examples: <br /> IF passed into legislation,this selective benefit would further divide our community between those that have what has <br /> already been referred to as "Cadillac" benefits with those that have not. Studies have shown for the most part,the <br /> public sector(especially Federal Employees) and the Private Sector(larger Companies and Companies with Union <br /> represented employees)generally provide benefits (pensions, holiday, sick time, personal days) in addition to health <br /> care,that are far better than those benefits for employees of small businesses or independent contractors due to <br /> affordability(or negotiated demands). Focusing on the Public Sector, "affordability" is borne by taxpayers, by <br /> spreading the cost across the residential population. Small businesses or independent contractors have to rely on <br /> profitability and other factors,there is no spreading of the costs. <br /> Thus the "inequity" between the "haves and the have-nots" <br /> Mayor George Stated "It's for the health, well-being and economic benefit for the women and families...", only referring <br /> to her"Public Employees within City Employment", not the remaining citizens of Lakewood. <br /> Secondly, what about the number of people that legitimately take FMLA to care for a family member. It clearly seems <br /> that we don't really care about paying them for their time off.And even more, at a Federal Level, it seems to be more <br /> one-sided.They take care of paid time off for parental leave as put into effect thru The Federal Employee Paid Leave <br /> Act (FEPLA), which covers paid parental leave, but no mention of medical leave paid time off for family attending to <br /> the serious health condition of a family member. <br /> IF you're proposing paid leave for parenting, why wouldn't you also propose paid leave for family medical care? <br /> After all, the title does state Family Medical Leave Act? <br /> Is this ordinance really "inclusive" or selective? <br /> In Conclusion, I truly do hope for a complete evaluation and analysis of the Ordinance, and its subsequent REJECTION. <br /> (and I especially appreciate the level of service performed by our men and women in our Police and Fire Dept. during <br /> these trying times) <br /> Thank you. <br /> Mark Tiberia <br />