A viable funding structure for Family and Medical Leave

Posted bywaworkfamPosted inIn The News, Paid Family LeaveTags:,

A Letter to the Editor of the Seattle Times, by Sen. Karen Keiser

Senator Karen Keiser sponsored SB 5952 to expand and implement Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance
Senator Karen Keiser sponsored SB 5952 to expand and implement Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance

I was disappointed to read The Seattle Times editorial advocating for the repeal of our state’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance law [“State should repeal family-leave law,” Opinion, Feb. 12].

It’s unwise to force new parents to choose between returning to work early, sacrificing family health and well-being and facing financial challenges that threaten their ability to provide for their new families.

I am sponsoring Senate Bill 5292, which creates a viable funding structure that will not cost the state budget any money. It would likely actually save the state money in the long run by helping new families stay off more expensive state support like food stamps.

This is a common-sense reform that will make a big difference for families. New mothers should be able to spend their first few weeks of parenthood bonding with their babies, not worrying about paying the rent. Paid family leave will make that possible.

–Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Kent, 33rd Legislative District

Published by waworkfam

The Washington Work and Family Coalition includes representatives of seniors, women, labor, health professionals, children’s advocates, faith communities, low income workers, employers, non-profits and other organizations. We’re working together to make it easier for parents to raise healthy children and care for aging parents; for workers to care for themselves or their partners in the event of a serious illness; and for businesses to offer modern workplace standards that improve productivity and worker health.

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