Paid Family & Medical Leave: No One Should Have To Choose Between A Job & Taking Care of a Newborn Child
The Problem
When American workers are forced to choose between a paycheck and their families, we all lose. In fact, families and businesses lose over $20 billion a year because the vast majority of workers do not have access to paid family leave to take care of a new child, sick spouse, or dying parent. Not only is this wrong, it makes no sense—especially when Congress’ priority should be growing our economy.
The Solution
Senator Gillibrand is leading the movement to create a national paid family leave program for all workers by introducing The FAMILY Act. This proposal would ensure that, for the cost of a cup of coffee a week, American workers could receive up to 12 weeks of paid leave—at 66 percent wage replacement—in the event of a serious personal or family medical emergency. The American people want Congress to work for them, by helping to create systems that provide economic security when life-events happen. America stands alone as the only developed country to not ensure this basic insurance.
It’s time to update the rules for the 21st century.
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Opportunity Points
- The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 provides unpaid, job-protected leave, but only about half of the workforce qualifies, and many more cannot afford to take it because it is unpaid.
- As workers with care responsibilities withdraw from the workforce, they bring home less income, are less likely to earn raises and promotions, have more restricted access to retirement & SSI benefits and accumulate lower lifetime earnings
- Women are often the primary caregivers of infants, children, and elderly parents. We must make it easier for them to go in and out of the workforce so they can meet those family needs.
- No worker should have to choose between the families they love and the jobs they need.
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