Dear U.S. Senators:
As we get closer to the end of the year, what remains clear is that working families, small businesses, and our economy are still in need of paid family/medical leave and the family friendly priorities put forth by the Biden-Harris White House Administration. So much is at stake: the impending expiration of the Child Tax Credit, families facing high costs of healthcare and prescription drugs, and small businesses unable to maintain workers due to the lack of policies like paid family/medical leave. Members of the Senate must be committed to passing the Build Back Better Act as soon as possible and keeping critical provisions like paid family/medical leave in the bill.
There is no alternative and no Plan B. Passing the Build Back Better Act with the inclusion of paid family/medical leave is an investment in families, small businesses, and the economy: 79 percent of workers do not have paid family leave through their jobs, and for workers of color and those in lower-wage jobs, that rate is even lower. Working families should not have to choose between a paycheck and caring for their loved ones in a time of critical health crisis, and they should not have to miss the birth of a child nor the last breath of an aging family member. Working families are relying on their members of Congress to pass the Build Back Better Act without delay.
Paid family/medical leave is widely supported, it will provide relief to families, and contribute to employee morale and worker retention as well as promote gender and racial equity. The Build Back Better Act is the promise made to America, and we urge you to fulfill that promise by passing this historic legislation with the inclusion of comprehensive paid family/medical leave immediately.
Thank you,