PL+US STATEMENT: Four week, permanent federal paid family and medical leave policy would be a win for working families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 22 2021

CONTACT

Neil Sroka, neil@paidleave.us, 847-219-8491 

Four week, permanent federal paid family and medical leave policy would be a win for working families

As the White House and Congressional leaders work towards finalizing the legislative framework of the Build Back Better budget deal, Paid Leave for the U.S. (PL+US) Executive Director Molly Day issued the following statement:

“We were glad to hear the President prioritize the inclusion of his legacy-making paid family and medical leave legislation in the Build Back Better Plan during his town hall last night. A permanent four week federal program that supports parental, caregiving and personal medical leave would be a win for working people and families everywhere; however, a temporary paid leave program is insufficient. It is imperative that the final bill meets the desperate needs of working families with a permanent federal framework. A permanent paid leave program will make a difference to working Americans not just through 2024 and 2026, but for years to come. By creating a strong foundation that working people and businesses can rely on, a permanent paid leave program will provide a lasting opportunity to stabilize families, grow the economy, build racial equity, expand opportunities for women, and improve outcomes for children.

“In 2020, President Biden and Vice President Harris campaigned on the issue of paid family and medical leave.  Since then, from the roll-out of the American Families Plan to today, the President has consistently demonstrated that he prioritizes families and understands the need to put families first in moments of sickness, joy and loss. Overwhelming majorities of Americans, in every state in the nation, support the policy. It would be a signature legacy for President Biden and the Democratic Party, after four decades of Democrats and Republicans alike trying to pass paid leave. 

“Let’s be clear: National business leaders, parents, small businesses owners, organizations representing low wage workers, and millions of working people across the country are ready to cheer this administration for a historic win on paid leave. A victory like that will both positively transform Americans’ lives and will deliver major political dividends for Democrats for years to come.  However, these returns are only certain if we emerge from negotiations with a permanent program for paid leave that supports parental, caregiving and personal medical leave for every worker.  We know that’s possible, we know that’s what President Biden wants, and we look forward to working with the White House and Congress to make it a reality.” -- Molly Day, Executive Director, Paid Leave for the U.S.

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About PL+US 

PL+US (Paid Leave for the United States) is the national campaign to win paid family and medical leave for every working person in the US. PL+US has helped win paid family leave for nearly 8 million people through our transformative workplace campaigns at companies like Walmart, Starbucks, CVS, and more in partnership with employees, employers, consumers, and investors. Learn more at: http://paidleave.us/