Leopard print-loving lawmaker to take two-month paid paternity leave as he and husband welcome baby
A Texas lawmaker known for his bold fashion choices announced he will be taking a paid paternity leave during the busiest time of year.
San Antonio City Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, 30, revealed on Tuesday that he will be taking a leave of absence from August 1 to October 1 after he and his husband welcome their first child.
McKee-Rodriguez will continue to receive a salary during his leave, according to San Antonio Report. Council members awarded themselves a 54 percent pay hike this year with their salaries rising from $45,722 to $70,200.
The absence will take place in the midst of budget season, which is expected to the particularly challenging this year as the city is projecting a $31 million deficit, according to the San Antonio Express-News.
McKee-Rodriguez and his husband, Nathan, are expecting a baby girl in July, and said he decided to take leave due to his partner's 'limited access to parental leave.'
'It's really important to me and my husband that I be fully present,' he told the local newspaper.
McKee-Rodriguez, who was re-elected earlier in May for a third term that runs through 2029, is requesting an interim councilmember to serve in his place.
'I'm really looking for a proxy who can say the things I need them to say on the dais and can cast the vote as I would,' he said.
'Someone who is willing to continue to have conversations with me and staff. I will still be present and around when I'm available, but I can't guarantee I will be on the dais and at council chambers for very vote and discussion this season requires.'
City Council as a whole has the month of July off, so McKee-Rodriguez's replacement will pick up in August.
'I know how important it is that District 2 has a voice at every decision-making table,' he said.
'In July, I'll remain actively involved in preparing the Interim-Councilmember by introducing them to our team, briefing them on community priorities, and supporting their transition into the role.
'Even during my leave, I'll continue to stay connected, communicating with constituents, attending events when possible, and serving as a resource for both the Interim-Councilmember and my colleagues.'
While council members do not need permission to take leave, his colleagues will need to ratify the process for selecting a temporary replacement, McKee-Rodriguez told the San Antonio Report.
McKee-Rodriguez, 30, was the first openly gay man elected to City Council in San Antonio, and the first openly gay black man elected to any seat in Texas, according to his biography.
The councilman is known for his bold fashion choices, like wearing a leopard print suit on the chamber floor.
McKee-Rodriguez was endorsed by Nicki Minaj in 2021 after he wished the queen of rap a happy birthday during a city council session, WOAI reported.
Born in Tennessee, he attend the University of Texas at San Antonio where he earned a bachelor's degree in communications and masters of education in educational leadership and policy studies.
He volunteered full-time as an AmeriCorps member with City Year at Davis Middle School before becoming a math teacher.
McKee-Rodriguez and his husband married in April of 2018 and they have two cats and a dog.
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