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I have some exciting news to share with you!
On February 5th U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) introduced the Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act, their signature legislation to create a permanent, national paid family and medical leave program.
This year marks the 28th anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act (also known as FMLA) – legislation that has provided unpaid job- protected leave for up to 12 weeks for the birth of a child, medical care, etc. For 28 years, families have had inadequate paid leave. Out of 41 nations around the world, the US is the only industrialized nation with zero weeks of paid leave.
Economic supports for families, like paid family and medical leave, are strategic, science-backed primary prevention strategies that keep kids safe. Paid leave is associated with:
There is also research that has shown that having access to paid leave decreases the risk of traumatic head injury in infants, which includes shaken baby syndrome. Brain and head injuries are the most common cause of death for infants age two and under.
Paid Family and Medical Leave is a policy priority for PCANC because it is one way we can support families and prevent child abuse.
The FAMILY Act would ensure that every worker, no matter the size of their employer or if they are self-employed or part-time, has access to paid leave for every serious medical event, every time it’s needed. The FAMILY Act is modeled on successful state programs and would create a permanent paid family and medical leave program for all workers that provides up to 66% of wage replacement for 12 weeks, anytime they need it.
Concrete supports keep families safe and healthy, and paid family and medical leave is a concrete support for families. Paid family and medical leave provides wage replacement at a time when families are most vulnerable – such as the birth of a child or when someone needs to take time away from work to care for an ailing loved one. Economic instability can be stressful and increase the risk for abuse and neglect.
Tell your members of Congress that keeping kids safe is important to you by sending a message asking them to support The FAMILY Act!
In partnership,
Melea Rose-Waters, MSW
Policy Director
Prevent Child Abuse NC
NOTE: You can influence public policy! As a constituent, this advocacy outreach to your Senator/Representative will help to inform lawmakers about the importance of home visiting for families. If you are from a state health department, government entity, or have funding that could be affected via advocacy – you can educate lawmakers, but you cannot provide direct support or opposition to a specific piece of proposed legislation. In these instances, please use your personal email address outside of work hours.
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Thank you again for your time and for your commitment to home visiting!
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Click the pencil icon above to replace this temporary copy. When you add the content for this text block, make sure it's personal, informational, emotional, and actionable. That's how to ignite change!