Ask Congress to support Paid Family Leave that fits our values!
There are currently three conservative plans introduced by Members of Congress that support families after the birth or adoption of a child.
Sen. Bill Cassidy has introduced the first bipartisan plan with Sen. Krysten Sinema that allows new parents to advance up to $5000 from future child tax credits. The family would repay by receiving a credit of $1500 (instead of $2000) off their taxes for that child for the next 10 years. In March, Sen. Rubio and Rep. Wagner, along with Sen. Mitt Romney and Rep. Dan Crenshaw, introduced the Economic Security for New Parents Act and Senators Joni Ernst and Mike Lee introduced The CRADLE Act. Both plans would allow each parent to take one, two, or three months of paid leave after the birth or adoption of a child. To cover the costs, parents would simply postpone their retirement benefits for a few extra months. The Rubio/Wagner plan is different in that it offers transferability between the parents – so they could share their benefits. This means one parent could go back to work sooner while extending the other parent’s leave.
Almost a quarter of all mothers go back to work within 10-14 days of having a baby, and fathers go back even sooner, even though we know the importance of bonding for the strength of the family and positive outcomes for the child.
The Federal Reserve reports that 44% of Americans are unable to afford an unexpected $400 expense. For them, a new baby can be a financial catastrophe and taking time off from work is not possible. All three plans would give these families the option – this is optional – of funding this important time together for their family.
Over half of those having abortions cite cost as the main reason. In addition, 48% of all mothers in households under $30,000 go on public assistance after having a baby. A paid family leave plan can help create the best environment for a newborn – at home being cared for by their parents. There is no mandate for businesses and this does not create a new entitlement.
It takes just a minute to send an email to your Members of Congress to let them know that you support a conservative paid family leave plan!
Learn more: www.paidleaveforfamilies.com.