Paid Family and Medical Leave Is Getting a New Push From Democrats, Republicans

In what many say is a rare occurrence nowadays, Democrats and Republicans are working together to kick off a renewed push for paid family and medical leave.

According to CNN, the Family and Medical Leave Act, which guaranteed workers the right to unpaid, job-protected time off, became law 30 years ago.

However, the U.S. is one of only seven countries without some form of universal paid family and medical leave, and a bipartisan congressional duo wants to change that.

Earlier this month, President Joe Biden called for expanded federal medical leave and paid benefits for workers.

Republican Rep. Stephanie Bice of Oklahoma and Democratic Rep. Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania are the ones leading the charge. Both have pointed out that it has been embarrassing for the U.S. as it remains one of the few remaining countries that do not have this kind of program.

The two congresswomen have officially launched their House Bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group. It is composed of six House representatives, with three Republicans and three Democrats.

The Democrats include Colin Allred of Texas and Haley Stevens of Michigan, while the Republicans include Julia Letlow of Louisiana and Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa. Bice noted that such a partnership is not that uncommon across the aisle.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that only one in four workers had access to paid family leave in 2022, with the bureau finding that families in the lowest 25% of wage earners had even less access and only 13% of these low-income workers were eligible for paid family leave last year.

Bipartisan Support for Paid Family Leave and Paid Medical Leave Also Gains Traction for Federal Workers

Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii and Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz of Virginia are leading the charge for 12 weeks of paid family leave for all federal workers, including U.S. Postal Service employees.

According to the Government Executive, the two Democrats are joined by Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, making this agenda bipartisan.

The bill guarantees up to 12 weeks every year of paid leave for a personal illness, to care for an ailing family member, or in connection with a family member going on or returning from active duty.

Joe Biden Called for Universal Paid Family and Medical Leave

President Joe Biden has been one of the biggest supporters of universal paid family and medical leave.

In a February 2 press conference on the 30th anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the president made his feelings felt as he signed a memorandum for the need to have a national program of paid family and medical leave for employees.

According to SHRM, Biden stated: "Workers must have access to paid leave when they face a medical or caregiving need that affects their ability to work."

The president also lamented how the U.S. remains one of the few countries in the world still without universal family and medical leave.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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