PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE
Families aren’t “special interests.” When a new baby arrives or a loved one gets sick, workers need time to care—without losing their jobs or their homes. The United States is one of the only wealthy countries without guaranteed paid leave. It’s time to fix that.
THE PROBLEM
Millions of workers have zero paid leave and must choose between a paycheck and caregiving.
Women—especially women of color—are forced out of the workforce or into debt after childbirth.
Families caring for elders or disabled loved ones juggle unpaid time, lost wages, and burnout.
Employers who do offer leave compete at a disadvantage against those who don’t.
OUR PLAN FOR PAID LEAVE
National Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) — Up to 12 weeks of paid leave for birth/adoption, serious family illness, personal serious health conditions, or military caregiving.
Wage Replacement That Works — Sliding scale (e.g., 85–100% for low/moderate wages, tapering for higher incomes) so no one drops into poverty to care.
Job Protection — Your job (or equivalent) is guaranteed when you return—no retaliation, no demotions.
Simple, Portable Program — A federal social-insurance model funded by a small payroll contribution, portable across jobs and gig work.
Small-Business Support — Grants/tax credits to cover temporary hires or overtime when employees take leave.
Caregiver Inclusion — Recognize chosen family and multi-generational caregiving, because real families don’t fit a single template.
WHY IT MATTERS
Paid leave boosts infant health, keeps caregivers in the workforce, reduces poverty, and strengthens small businesses with lower turnover and higher retention. Caring for family shouldn’t be a luxury—it’s the most basic human responsibility.
“No one should have to choose between a paycheck and the people they love.”