WASHINGTON, D.C. – December 2024 – Executive Director of the Georgetown Center on Poverty and Inequality, Lelaine Bigelow issued the following statement on the release of a proposal for an Interstate Paid Leave Action Network (I-PLAN) by the House Bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group:
“Paid leave makes sense—for workers, families, and businesses. Without a universal, national paid leave policy, state paid leave programs bridge the gap for low-income workers who have the least access to employer paid leave. Yet, at least 30 percent of workers are unsure if they have access to leave, and uncertainty about eligibility can prevent workers from accessing available benefits. Harmonizing our state paid leave programs can help workers navigate our state paid leave system and prevent families from having to choose between their jobs and care.
I am encouraged to see leaders from the business community, advocacy groups, and across the political spectrum coming together to recognize the urgency of paid leave. The proposal also recognizes the importance of investing in state paid leave programs. Strengthening these programs is a crucial step toward building systems that provide meaningful support for working people and their families.
Led by Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (R-OK), the House Bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group’s I-PLAN proposal is a promising step. Paid leave enjoys widespread support across party lines because it’s about values we all share: family, health, and opportunity. While there is still work ahead, I am optimistic that this collaboration will build momentum toward effective, comprehensive paid leave policies. Paid leave isn’t a partisan issue—it’s a national one. I look forward to working with policymakers to ensure every worker in this country gains access to paid leave.”
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