The Importance of FAMILY

It happens to almost everyone. Sometimes, the need to take family leave is for the happiest of all reasons, such as the birth or adoption of a child. And at other times, we need to take leave for the scariest of reasons, like a cancer diagnosis or a car accident. But when one of these or thousands of other scenarios come up, most working people in the United States have no access to paid family leave. Taking the time to care means putting jobs and economic security at risk in a time when most families can ill afford it.

Last year, Congressional Leaders introduced the FAMILY Act, which would give workers the opportunity to continue earning some money while staying home to care for themselves or their family members. Under the FAMILY Act, employees and employers would create a self-sustaining fund through small shared contributions. Workers could then tap into the fund for a portion of their pay, ensuring that they can pay their bills and contribute to local businesses and the economy.

Currently, only 50% of new mothers can take paid leave to care for their child - and this leave is often the result of taking vacation and paid time off, not from having access to dedicated maternity time. Meanwhile, over 40 million adults - many of whom are still in the workforce - also care for adults over 50.

At PathWays PA, we work with families every day as they strive to gain the education and skills they need to be good workers and good parents. As our clients enter the workforce or find better jobs, access to paid leave can ensure that caring for the medical needs of their families will not mean a return to poverty,

If you support the FAMILY Act, please take the time to tell your legislators. You can use this action alert from 9to5 as a starting point.

Interested in PathWays PA blog posts on similar topics?

• 10/28/14 - Volunteers Needed to Mobilize Voters through Vote for Homes
• 10/22/14 - October is National Work and Family Month!
• 6/16/14 - FAMILY Act Week of Action Starts Today!