Neal Emphasizes Need for Federal Paid Leave Policy

Press Release

Today, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement as states continue to pass their own paid leave policies:

"While it is encouraging to see states enact paid leave programs for their residents, this inconsistent patchwork of policies across the nation exacerbates inequality, disadvantaging millions of women, people of color, and lower-paid workers who happen to live in places without paid leave laws. Inconsistent state-level policies also present challenges to employers who operate in multiple regions, and make it harder for small employers to compete against large businesses without a federal backstop. I remain committed to achieving universal, federal paid leave, and will keep pushing for the Senate to act on the House-passed paid leave measure we crafted in the Ways and Means Committee last year.

"Every American will need to take time away from their job at some point, whether due to their own medical issue, an ill loved one, or the arrival of a new child. Universal paid leave will prevent workers from suffering financial hardship when those situations arise, will make it easier for employers to retain employees, will help reverse the troubling trend of women leaving the workforce, and will strengthen our economy. Congress, President Biden, and all affected stakeholders must remain focused on making this vital proposal a reality."

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