States Could Get Money to Give Parents Paid Time Off to Spend With Kids
Summary
A bipartisan group of U.S. representatives introduced a bill to encourage states to create paid family leave programs for parents after birth or adoption. The bill would give grants to states that set up paid leave programs with public-private partnerships, aiming to provide parents with paid time off without a one-size-fits-all federal mandate.Key Facts
- The bill is called the More Paid Leave for More Americans Act and was introduced by Representative Stephanie Bice (R-OK) and Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA).
- It offers states money through grants to create or maintain paid family leave programs.
- States would need to provide at least six weeks of paid leave and pay parents between 50 to 67 percent of their wages while on leave.
- Lower-income workers could get higher wage replacement rates, with weekly benefits capped at 150 percent of the state's average weekly wage.
- The program relies on partnerships between states and private insurers or administrators rather than a federal program.
- States that receive grants must join the Interstate Paid Leave Action Network (I-PLAN) to coordinate benefits across states.
- The U.S. Family and Medical Leave Act currently allows up to 12 weeks off but does not require pay.
- Only 13 states currently have their own paid family leave programs, and the bill aims to expand this number.
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