A Letter to the Editor of the Seattle Times, by Sen. Karen Keiser
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
Washington Work and Family Coalition 