Policy Resource

The Importance of Paid Family Leave for American Working Families

Download Files Jul 23, 2018

By Matthew Melmed

The following statement was submitted to the Senate Committee on Finance Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions, and Family Policy by Matthew Melmed, executive director of ZERO TO THREE, on July 11, 2018.

“We often hear that we should take incremental steps in enacting such a far-reaching policy that could potentially benefit every family in America. I submit that we have already taken that step, with the Family and Medical Leave Act 25 years ago. I think American families do an incredible job in weaving the fabric of our society, but they are stressed to the limit and need more than another baby step forward. They cannot afford to wait another generation to have supports that enable them to nurture their families and be productive workers. So, I welcome the opportunity to discuss the critical importance of a comprehensive paid family and medical leave social insurance program for our nation’s youngest families, those with newborn or newly adopted babies, infants, and toddlers, and for all families.”

Download the full statement to read more.

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