(a)
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(1)
The percentage of California employers offering pension and retirement plans to employees is substantially lower than the national average.
(2)
Many employers lack an understanding of the implications of our coming “age wave,” and how to best assist employees in preparing for the long-term care needs of themselves and their families.
(b)
It is the intent of the Legislature, in future years, to develop and to enact legislation to institute elder care and caregiving programs as an employee benefit, holding employers to the same standard in providing benefits and leave time for employees caring for elders as those provided employees caring for children.