Jack:

Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro and I reintroduced the FAMILY Act—our legislation to create a permanent, national paid family and medical leave policy. 

Our bill is based on a simple premise: No one should ever have to choose between a paycheck and caring for themselves or a loved one.

Yet the United States has the distinct dishonor of being the only industrialized country in the world without paid family and medical leave. Today, more than eight in ten workers lack access to comprehensive paid leave.

And the coronavirus pandemic has only exacerbated the caregiving crisis in our country. Millions of Americans—including more than two million women—have lost their jobs over the past year because of a lack of paid leave.

Our bill is a permanent solution to this crisis. It ensures that every worker—including those who are self-employed or work part-time—has access to 12 weeks of paid leave for every life event. But, to get it passed, I’m going to need your help:

1. Become a Citizen Co-Sponsor of the FAMILY Act. I’d like 25,000 grassroots supporters to sign on today as a show of force that we’re serious about making this happen.

2. Tell your Members of Congress that you support real paid leave. I firmly believe that change only comes to Washington when people stand up and demand it. Make your voice heard, and make sure your representatives know this is a priority for you.

Seven in ten Americans support a program to guarantee paid leave. And that makes sense: This is something that affects all of us, be it the birth or adoption of a child, caring for an ailing parent, or the serious illness of a loved one.

And paid leave isn’t just popular—it makes good economic sense. It would stimulate the economy, increase workforce participation, improve health outcomes for seniors and children, and boost the bottom line for businesses of all sizes.

I am more optimistic today than I’ve ever been. I believe this is our moment to pass the FAMILY Act and finally—finally—give the caregivers in American families the support they deserve. But I’m going to need your help to get it done: 

Please, add your voice to become a Citizen Co-Sponsor of the FAMILY Act.

I’ll be sure to keep you updated on our progress. 

With gratitude,
Kirsten