“The reintroduction of the FAMILY Act makes this a hopeful day for America’s moms and families, who are struggling without the basic policies that make it possible to meet the demands of work and family, and for businesses and our economy because its enactment would help them thrive. But that hope will only be realized if this essential bill becomes law very soon.

“Right now in the United States, just 27 percent of the workforce has paid family leave through their employers, and less than half (just 43 percent) has personal medical leave through an employer-provided short-term disability program. That is appalling and it causes enormous harm to families as well as to businesses and our economy. It’s time – past time – to end the days when moms have to return to work just weeks after giving birth, when working moms and dads have to choose between a paycheck and holding the hand of a hospitalized child, when seniors struggle alone because their adult children cannot take time away from their jobs to provide care, and when businesses lose productivity and must deal with absenteeism and low morale because workers need to reduce their hours or leave their jobs in order to recover or provide care.

“Passage of the FAMILY Act is a high priority for America’s moms, and it should be for the lawmakers who represent us, too, because it would finally create the comprehensive paid leave program that will help families and our economy succeed. We thank U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) for championing this bill, and all the cosponsors for supporting it, The FAMILY Act must become law this year.”

-Statement of Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, Executive Director and CEO, MomsRising

“The FAMILY Act is the only bill now before Congress that would create universal access to paid family and medical leave for all working people, no matter where they live or work or the size of their employer. It is smart, much-needed legislation that builds on the progress that nine states and the District of Columbia have made with their paid leave programs (four other state paid leave programs will soon take effect). It would end the days when working people have to choose between family and paycheck in times of crisis or when new children come, making it possible for people of all incomes to make the best decisions for their families and their futures. 

“It would provide up to 12 weeks of partial income for workers taking leave due to serious personal or family health issues, childbirth, adoption, domestic or sexual violence, or the military deployment of a family member; make it possible for the lowest-paid workers to earn up to 85% of their normal wages, with the typical full-time worker earning around two-thirds of normal wages; cover workers at employers of all sizes; make many self-employed, contingent, lower-wage, younger, and part-time working people eligible for benefits; protect workers from retaliation; and allow states with paid leave programs already in place to continue them. 

“This Congress and the Trump administration have a shameful record of giving tax cuts to the wealthiest corporations and individuals, paid for with devastating cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other essential programs, while ignoring the policies working families need. Instead of rigging the system further against working families, Congress should pass and President Trump should sign the FAMILY Act, so workers can take the time they need when they or a loved one has a serious illness or they welcome an addition to their family, without losing pay or risking their job.”

– Statement of Ruth Martin, Senior Vice President & Chief Workplace Justice Officer, MomsRising