National Businesses
"In 2015, we were one of the first companies to enhance our Family Leave policy. We now provide up to 26 weeks fully paid time to bond with a new baby, up to 10 weeks fully paid time for medical leave and up to four weeks fully paid time for employees to care for a sick family member. We are now able to care for our employees during major life events with time and financial support, doing the right thing for our employees and our business. Government mandates in the U.S. for paid leave are currently slim to nonexistent, that is why we fully support the Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act, a federal bill that would address America's paid family and medical leave crisis to benefit working people, their families, businesses and our nation's economy."
"I'm a strong advocate of providing benefits to parents, including paid parental leave. That's why as a co-founder of Airbnb, I've ensured that we provide paid parental leave for all new parents. I'm myself a father of two young children. I understand the challenges of balancing work with parenthood, but I also recognize how parenthood can make employees more aware and efficient. Parenting builds patience and empathy, and those who are provided time to effectively parent become more effective employees."
"Amalgamated Bank was founded almost a century ago as a bank primarily for low and middle-income workers. Since that time we have proudly supported and advocated for the rights and interests of working people across the country. We were the first bank to institute a $15 minimum wage; we advocate for workers' rights through shareholder activism; we offer paid family leave to our employees; and, we support public policy that furthers the interests of American workers. We are proud to support the FAMILY Act, which would enable workers to take needed leave to support their families through birth, injury, and illness, without a financial burden. All workers deserve the opportunity to balance the demands of their work while taking care of themselves and their families."
“Artsy’s people are our most important investment. Their engagement, performance, and wellbeing are deeply linked with their ability to take care of their families. That is why we offer appropriate family leave policies and prioritize a healthy work-life culture. It's also why we are strong supporters of paid family leave reform and the principles advocated by the FAMILY Act.”
"At Blue Bottle Coffee we believe that workers need time to take care of a new baby. I know I wanted that for my own family; so it makes sense that our 750+ employees should have this chance to care for their families, too. California and New York both have laws that provide workers with some wage replacement when they take a leave. It's been easy to implement. ... We do more than the law requires and 'top up' with some of our own funds. We have expanded to Boston, Miami, and Washington, D.C. There are no state laws there yet, but we provide those employees with paid parental leave too. I welcome the introduction of the FAMILY Act — it makes sense to me for a federal law to set a minimum business standard across the states."
"Care.com is a publicly traded company, which operates in more than 20 countries and serves more than 29 million members and about 1.4 million employees of corporate clients. We know the many different forms family care can take and the many ways care needs affect families, workplaces and the economy. While the United States has fallen behind on paid leave, we can leap to the front of the line with a family leave policy designed for the 21st century. In the FAMILY Act, we have a national plan that would make a meaningful difference for millions of Americans. By reflecting the nature of our modern workforce and covering the full spectrum of family care needs, the FAMILY Act would ensure no worker contributing to the American economy would have to choose between a paycheck and caring for a loved one. We at Care.com have proudly supported this important piece of legislation since 2015."
"We're a company of mothers, fathers, daughters, and sons who've come together to make safer cleaners for 50 years. Our employees are innovators and pioneers, and they're the reasons behind the success of our ECOS plant-powered cleaners. We know how important supporting them and their families is to our growth and success. That's why we support the FAMILY Act — a proposal that would create a paid family leave program for American workers. Time off to care for family members — be it a young child or an aging parent — is essential to maintaining a strong workforce. We urge Congress to support the FAMILY Act today."
"EILEEN FISHER is proud to support the FAMILY Act. The company is committed to our employees, through a strong family and medical leave policy as well as other key benefits that put our employees first. We know this important legislation will help employees and businesses across the country thrive."
"Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is headquartered in California, with offices in Oregon, Washington, and Florida. Among our more than 300 employees, it's no secret that those at headquarters have a particular advantage: paid family and medical leave insurance. After California established the law, we began to notice that our employees who took time off when a new baby arrived or when a serious illness struck were less stressed than those in similar circumstances working in our other states. Less stressed workers mean more productive workers. We want to see all of our employees thriving in the same way as their Californian counterparts. That's why we support the FAMILY Act — a federal law would help employees at all of our locations."
"Equal Exchange is a business that is dedicated to fair trade with small-scale farmers in the developing world. We think fairness needs to extend to our own workers, who bring enormous value to our business — and to their families and communities. Because we see our workers as human beings, who have human needs, we think it's crucial that they have access to paid time away from work to care for their families and their health. When employees need to care for a sick family member, bond with a new child, or recover from serious illness, they should be able to do so without risking their jobs or financial security. I support the FAMILY Act, which would create a national paid family leave insurance program, because it will give companies the capacity to treat their employees right — and ultimately, to build better businesses."
"We created Fairygodboss to improve the lives and workplaces for women through transparency. Our website hosts a crowdsourced paid parental leave database, which helps workers learn more about the types of leave they can expect from various employers. As our database shows, a growing number of employers are offering paid family leave; they recognize that it not only supports employees, but also boosts the bottom line. However, we cannot simply rely on progressive employers to do the right thing — even when it is likely to improve their own employee retention and turnover. Too many workers miss out on the health, economic, and social benefits of paid leave because their employers don't offer leave. That's why it's more important than ever to continue fighting for comprehensive paid leave legislation. The FAMILY Act — which is modeled after successful state programs — would no doubt meet the needs of the modern workforce so that people won't have to choose between getting paid and supporting their loved ones."
"Fatherly's core mission is to empower men to raise great kids and lead more fulfilling adult lives. We believe that both moms and dads can only do this by spending quality time with their children; they shouldn't have to break the bank or lose their jobs to do so. We applaud advocates nationwide for their work in championing more expansive paid leave policies, and Fatherly will continue to highlight the evidence supporting the benefits that these policies provide to both parents and employers."
"FlexJobs is dedicated to helping professionals find a better way to work through remote and flexible jobs. While flexible work goes a long way to help people balance career and family responsibilities, more should be done. That's why we proudly advocate for key paid leave principles and the FAMILY Act as paramount changes that can provide meaningful support for families in the modern workplace. I started FlexJobs in 2007 when I was pregnant with my first child because I was looking for a flexible job that would allow me to advance my career and be the parent I wanted to be. Since then, in my own life and on my team, I've seen the variety of reasons that people need flexible work options to help them take care of their lives while continuing their careers. One of the biggest reasons? Caregiving. Whether it's working parents caring for children, grown children caring for aging parents, people with personal medical issues, or other related situations, professionals across levels and industries will likely, at some point, need access to comprehensive paid leave. Like flexible work options, paid leave has the potential to make profound and long-lasting economic, familial and social impact — and FlexJobs stands proudly behind efforts to make paid leave accessible to everyone."
"Our most important asset is our people. A strong national paid leave policy like the FAMILY Act fundamentally aligns with the values and the culture at ICM Partners. It's inclusive of everyone, supports health and wellness, fuels employee engagement and ensures competitiveness for us as a company. When family or medical needs arise, we must allow access to necessary time off and ancillary needs that arise as a result. ICM is in alignment with ensuring the safety and comfort of our employees during positive times, and we must allow access to that same safety and comfort during life's necessary moments. We endorse the FAMILY Act wholeheartedly and look forward to doing right by our employees, and equally as importantly, by the community at large."
"Levi Strauss & Co. supports the FAMILY Act because access to paid family and medical leave is not only the right thing to do for employees, but it's the smart thing to do for business. At LS&Co., our people make us who we are and it's our responsibility to create an environment that enables them to be healthy, happy and successful at work and at home. The FAMILY Act aligns with our company's leave policy and matches our belief that bonding time with a new child is critical for all parents and all families. We believe now is the time for the U.S. to adopt a comprehensive national policy like the FAMILY Act."
"Managed by Q, the platform for office management, makes it easy to run your workspace. Founded in 2014, Q has grown to employ over 1,000 employees in just four short years. Q was founded on the premise of a "worker first" approach, with a commitment to providing meaningful employment to everyone involved with the company. This means ensuring that our employees thrive in their lives inside and outside the office. We're fortunate to have our headquarters based in New York and two of our offices based in California — this means that our staff have access to these state's paid family leave insurance when they need time to bond with a new child or care for sick family member. This program helps us offer a critical support to our staff without having to shoulder the full cost of these leaves, which is a challenge in an industry where every worker who is absent must be replaced. We support the federal bill, the FAMILY Act, which would enable workers across the country to use family and medical leave insurance and support employers like us, who want to do the right thing but may not be able to bear the full cost of paid leave. At Managed by Q, we believe our business will grow precisely because we put our workers first — and we think the same is true for the economy more broadly."
"We are a small, female-founded company and 97% of our HQ employees are women. Our success over the past 20 years can be directly tied back to our priorities: employee wellbeing, work-life balance, and understanding that women’s economic empowerment and independence positively impacts the health of their families and communities. Endorsing the FAMILY Act is a patriotic act for those who care about the strength of our country’s people, and the economy. This is a no brainer. All employees have the right to a livable future, and we can’t do that without paid leave principles."
"We know from experience that doing the right thing by employees is a necessary element of doing business. I endorse the Family and Medical Insurance Leave Act (FAMILY Act) because workers in the United States should be able to take the time they need when serious family or medical needs arise — no matter where they live or where they work.The economic returns are tangible. Employee turnover costs companies up to 150 percent of the base salary of the person exiting. Benefits like maternity and paternity leave to working families or paid leave for serious medical needs are simply common sense. Let's pass the FAMILY Act and ensure we take care of millions of people each year."
"All working people deserve access to paid family and medical leave, yet we know the grim reality — that few have it, and there are stark disparities by income level and worker type. At Rent the Runway, we have equalized benefits for all of our employees, ensuring that our warehouse, customer service and store employees now have the same bereavement, parental and family sick leave, and sabbatical packages that corporate employees have. We believe that these new policies are not only in the best interests of our employees but also of Rent the Runway itself, which will likely see higher retention, lower training costs and better productivity from more experienced employees — including our corporate employees, who are energized to work at a company that takes values seriously. While we encourage other companies to do more to equalize benefits for their workers, we believe that a national policy is necessary to ensure that millions of hardworking people have access to the paid leave they deserve."
"At Seventh Generation, we believe that paid leave must be a national priority to help our economy, our workforce, and above all, our families. Leading businesses recognize that workers inevitably need time away from work to attend to health or family issues. Paid parental leave helps families stay on track to meet new expenses and provides parents needed time to bond with their child. Paid leave is also good for business, improving worker retention, productivity, and morale. The Family And Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act a proposal that would create a national paid family and medical leave insurance program for all employees and is critical to nurturing the health of the next generation. Among all developed economies around the globe, the United States is the only country that does not guarantee paid maternity leave. Now is the time to change that by passing the FAMILY Act."
"At Spotify, our people are our greatest assets. Our ability to continue to deliver the world's best music service lies in their hands. Spotify's paid leave policy defines who we are as a company, born out of a culture that emphasizes a healthy work/family balance, gender equality and the ability for every parent to spend quality time with the people that matter most in their lives. We believe that all working people in the United States deserve the same without risking their financial stability or disrupting their career. Our Swedish roots show us that a national paid leave policy can effectively and affordably support a family-friendly culture. That's why we support the FAMILY Act. We believe this policy will make a tangible difference in the lives of America's workers and families, help create a baseline on which businesses like us can build and strengthen America's economy."
"At SurveyMonkey, it is our priority to ensure our most valuable asset, our employees, receive a high standard of benefits. With offices around the globe, we encourage open discussions on what our employees need and value most. And their feedback informs the evolution of our benefit programs. For instance, we are delighted to offer a 16-week paid parental leave policy, enhanced PTO, as well as additional days of paid leave to care for immediate family members or partners suffering from a serious health condition. Unfortunately, this approach has yet to reach the national level with plenty of companies failing to provide access to paid leave under difficult circumstances. The endorsement of the FAMILY Act is consistent with our values as a company. Promoting benefits to improve equity across the board is something we’ve prioritized in the past and will continue to advocate for."
"The FAMILY Act is an important piece of legislation, and UncommonGoods is proud to support it. Paid family leave insurance should be in every business model and the benefit is clear; a more productive workforce leads to a better bottom line. When workers succeed, businesses succeed and the FAMILY Act will help make this happen."
"Union Square Hospitality Group proudly expanded our own paid parental leave plan in 2017 to include all of our all of full time employees, both hourly and salaried, after their first anniversary. We have already seen the profound and positive difference it makes for us as a company and for our people. In thinking about the impact we can have by participating in the national debate we have chosen to endorse the FAMILY Act, which would create a comprehensive national paid family and medical leave standard, not just for new parents, but for anyone caring for a seriously ill family member or dealing with their own serious health issue. No matter where our employees are, whether in our home state of New York where paid family leave has gone into effect, or in other states, we and our employees — and all working people — will benefit from a paid family and medical leave through a proposal like the FAMILY Act."
"UrbanSitter understands the critical importance of family caregiving. Founded by moms, our company is committed to helping families find trusted babysitters and nannies so that they can balance their work and life demands with the quality care their children need. We also know that sometimes working adults need paid leave to provide care for a new child, a seriously ill loved one, or to care for their own personal medical need. That is why we support the key paid leave principles and the FAMILY Act, which reflect the successful paid family and medical leave program that California has had in place for over a decade. We support a national paid family and medical leave program so that all working people — including our own team and the nannies, babysitters, and families who use our platform — have access to this essential benefit, no matter where they live or work. We know life is a balancing act, but it can be made easier. It’s time for national paid family and medical leave to support working adults in caring for their families and themselves."
"Since our founding, Badger has been committed to taking the high road with family-focused policies such as babies at work and flexible scheduling that improve employee well-being and workplace practices. We attribute our virtually zero recruitment costs and turnover to our benefits. Potential employees seek us out, and once they join the team, they remain because of our unique culture and approach to business. In a recent employee engagement survey administered by an outside firm, 100 percent surveyed felt their manager respected their work-life balance, 82 percent reported feeling highly engaged, and more than half plan to stay at Badger for more than five years. We support the FAMILY Act because it builds community and strong workplace culture, increases retention and is great for recruitment. We hope that by lending our voice, sharing our best practices, and serving as a leader and role model within the business community, that we can help other organizations get behind this common-sense proposal for a national paid family medical leave insurance program."
"Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies has become a showcase for businesses that understand the importance of making it possible for mothers to both succeed in their jobs and care for their families. When I created it in 1986, that was a foreign concept. Then and now, the winning businesses recognize that workplace policies that support working moms are not only good for families, but also good for business. But this realization is not universal among businesses; only 13 percent have paid family and medical leave through their employers, and fewer than 40 percent have medical leave through short-term disability programs. When the Family and Medical Leave Act passed 20 years ago, guaranteeing some workers access to 12 weeks of unpaid leave, along with many others, I assumed that by now this leave would be paid. But it isn't, and workers are still struggling to make ends meet when they need to take leave.The FAMILY Act would make it possible for women and men around the country to take paid leave in order to recover from illness, care for a sick family member, or bond with a new child. If enacted, this policy would soon prove to employers what many successful businesses already know: profits and policies that support working families can and do go hand-in-hand."
"At XO Group, we believe we bear a sacred responsibility for the wellbeing of our employees and their families. Paid family leave is one of the most important ways we support our employees' families at the most important moments in their lives. We are strong supporters of the FAMILY Act because we believe every American should receive the time and support they need to care for their loved ones when it matters most."
Business Leaders
John Arensmeyer
Founder and CEO
Small Business Majority
"Small employers know policies that address family and medical leave create a happier and more productive staff, which in turn leads to increased profits. What's more, these type of policies help level the playing field between small businesses that want to offer this benefit but can't, and their larger counterparts that can. "Our research shows more than two-thirds of small business owners have some type of policy in place to provide family and medical leave to employees, but they still need help providing it. Small employers understand their staff is not just contributing to the success of their businesses and the economy, but also to the wellbeing of themselves and their families."
John Arensmeyer
Founder and CEO
Small Business Majority
Amanda Ballantyne
National Director
The Main Street Alliance
"Access to paid family and medical leave is critical to ensuring a thriving small business sector. Small businesses that do not provide paid leave struggle to retain talented staff, and small business owners themselves need paid leave. They, too, have new babies, ailing partners or parents, and a single accident or medical emergency could jeopardize the health of a small business. But most small businesses simply can't afford to provide paid leave on their own. A national paid family and medical leave insurance system would make paid leave affordable and accessible to small businesses, helping to level the playing field between Main Street and large corporations, which wield the market power to give good benefits to top managers but are squeezing everyone else with low-wage, uncertain jobs."
Amanda Ballantyne
National Director
The Main Street Alliance
Jenny Dearborn
Executive Vice President, Human Resources
SAP
"What I've learned from my time in the tech industry is that companies only succeed by imagining new realities. Women are an incredible asset to the workforce, not only bringing innovation to all industries, but also boosting our economy. Firms that have more women in senior positions and on corporate boards have been found to be more profitable, but barriers, like the lack of access to paid family and medical leave, stand in the way of many. Being the only country without a national paid family and medical leave plan is not only a disadvantage to women, and our economy, but also to families and the growth of business. I endorse the Family And Medical Insurance Leave Act (FAMILY Act) because it levels the playing field for businesses and employees. It allows women and men to take the time they need and deserve when serious family or medical needs arise no matter where they work — and that is good for families, businesses, the economy and U.S. competitiveness."
Jenny Dearborn
Executive Vice President, Human Resources
SAP
Cynthia DiBartolo
Chairperson
Greater New York Chamber of Commerce
"A large number of studies show that childcare, flexible work hours, and paid family leave all have a very high return on investment (ROI). Moreover, there is compelling evidence that points to the fact that companies can measurably improve their bottom line by transforming a company's corporate culture into one of a truly caring organization — which basically means, putting the interests of their employees first! The FAMILY Act will enable employers of all sizes to more easily offer paid family and medical leave. It will help businesses to do what's good for employees and good for the bottom line.
Cynthia DiBartolo
Chairperson
Greater New York Chamber of Commerce
Margot Dorfman
CEO
U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce
"Women business owners understand that paid family leave is valuable for both families and businesses. Already, workers in California, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island have access to family leave insurance programs. The FAMILY Act will bring this important workplace standard to all Americans, benefiting both employers and employees. It will reduce costs over the long term and level the playing field between small and large firms. Workers who have access to paid family leave are productive, loyal employees who spare businesses the high cost of turnover."
Margot Dorfman
CEO
U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce
Jan Jones Blackhurst
Executive Vice President of Public Policy and Corporate Responsibility
Caesars Entertainment
"Women's work helps drive the gaming and hospitality industries and the U.S. economy, and our country's lack of family friendly policies is holding us back. Paid family and medical leave helps create a climate in which women are more likely to succeed and advance and where men are more free to provide care. In a state like Nevada, we have young families and a rapidly aging population. As a business leader, a former mayor and a mother, I believe that a paid leave plan, like the FAMILY Act, that covers parental, family care and personal medical leave and creates an affordable plan for working people, businesses and government is a win-win-win for all of us."
Jan Jones Blackhurst
Executive Vice President of Public Policy and Corporate Responsibility
Caesars Entertainment
David Levine
Co-Founder and President
American Sustainable Business Council
"The business case for the FAMILY Act is simple — good workplace policies make good business sense. Family leave insurance helps retain high quality talent, reduces costs, and ultimately improves the financial bottom line. As we document in our High Road Workplace Report, high road employers see their employees, the communities in which they operate, and the products and services they provide as equally vital to their financial success."
David Levine
Co-Founder and President
American Sustainable Business Council
Tom Nides
Managing Director and Vice Chairman
Morgan Stanley
"Paid family and medical leave is personally important to me. As a father of two in a family where both parents work outside the home, I know how difficult it is to be both a good parent and a good worker. While at the State Department, I watched my staff, who had no paid family leave, struggle to cobble together paid sick leave and annual vacation time in order to take time with new babies. And as a businessman, I've seen that demonstrating loyalty and respect for our people reinforces the same in return. A federal law that guarantees all workers paid family and medical leave is critical to supporting our people and economic stability. I support the FAMILY Act because it is not only good for families and businesses, it also makes economic sense."
Tom Nides
Managing Director and Vice Chairman
Morgan Stanley
Alexis Ohanian
Co-Founder
Reddit and Initialized Capital
"As an entrepreneur, I poured everything into the companies I founded. Yet once I became a father, there was no question where my priorities lay. For the first few months of my daughter's life, I needed to be with her and my wife. Unfortunately, many adults in this country are not afforded this 'privilege,' whether they need to care for a new child, a spouse following surgery, or an aging parent in their final days. My own experience taking leave has influenced my business leadership: Reddit and Initialized Capital offer 16 weeks of fully paid parental leave, and we encourage the companies we invest in to be generous with their own policies. This is more than just about doing the right thing — it's a smart business decision. Whether you're in the C-suite or just starting out, you should be able to prioritize your family when they need you. With all the benefits that I've seen personally and professionally, it's disappointing to know just how far behind the U.S. is on this issue. If we truly believe the family is the bedrock of our country, it's time lawmakers start acting like it and institute national paid family and medical leave."
Alexis Ohanian
Co-Founder
Reddit and Initialized Capital
Paul Orfalea
Founder
Kinko's
"I supported California's Paid Family Leave law and I support this national version. If we're not taking care of our coworkers, we're not taking care of business."
Paul Orfalea
Founder
Kinko's
Sheryl Sandberg
Facebook COO
Founder of LeanIn.org and OptionB.org
"We're one of the only developed countries in the world that doesn't offer paid leave. There's a really good bill out there called the FAMILY Act that would change this. It offers 12 weeks. It covers men and women. It offers substantial wage reimbursement and replacement. It covers all forms of childbirth and adoption and it allows people to care for seriously ill or injured family members or their own serious health issue. That's the kind of strong national policy we need."
Sheryl Sandberg
Facebook COO
Founder of LeanIn.org and OptionB.org
Susan Wojcicki
CEO
YouTube
"When we increased paid maternity leave at Google from 12 to 18 weeks, we discovered it wasn't just good for mothers, it was good for business, doubling our retention rate amongst mothers. I've personally benefitted from Google's policy, but all working families, regardless of their employer or state of residence, deserve the benefits of paid family leave. That's why I support the Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act, a federal bill that would help employees care for their families until they were ready to return to work and help their businesses thrive."
Susan Wojcicki
CEO
YouTube
Small Businesses
"As a small business owner, I care greatly about attracting, retaining, and caring for a quality staff. That business is a neighborhood bar, so I also care greatly about the wellbeing of the community we serve, our neighbors and regulars. And as an expecting father and husband whose spouse manages a chronic medical condition, I understand how important it is to be able to care for loved ones after an emergency or the birth of a child. This shouldn't be a privilege. As such, I strongly support the FAMILY Act, or a similar comprehensive paid family and medical leave act, to strengthen families, businesses, and communities. Small businesses like mine, and all working people, need and deserve this policy."
"Owning a food service business in a rural state is challenging. With modest bottom lines, it's often a challenge to provide benefits like paid family leave on my own even though I'd like to. A smart proposal like the FAMILY Act would help level the playing field and make it possible for small businesses to compete for and retain top talent."
"Paid family and medical leave is an important social justice issue, but it is an important economic growth issue as well. The FAMILY Act will help 76 Words, a small media and strategy firm in DC, recruit and retain great employees. Our business will succeed or fail based on the talent of our workforce. But without a public family leave insurance program, 76 Words is at a disadvantage in competing with larger firms for the best employees. A robust paid family leave program like the FAMILY Act will enable us to offer the same benefits our competitors can. Providing paid family and medical leave sends a message to the most creative and valued potential hires that if they work for us, they will be treated fairly in a time of family crisis. The FAMILY Act will help 76 Words and other small businesses show our employees how much we value them."
"Recently, one of my employees — who I'll call Charlie — told me his mother was ill and he was setting up a mother-in-law apartment to care for her. But, after working all day as an HVAC tech, he just didn't have the time and energy. We were as flexible and understanding as we could be. Charlie needed more, but he couldn't take unpaid time off with two kids in college, a mortgage, and medical expenses. Both his work and his attention to his mother suffered. That's why I'm thankful for the paid family and medical leave policy we just won in Massachusetts. Now, it's time for our elected officials in Washington to follow and pass the FAMILY Act."
"As a working mom, I experienced firsthand what it is like to have to choose between doing my job and caring for my family. Now, as a business owner, I know how important it is to ensure that my employees have paid family and medical leave. The FAMILY Act will make it possible for me to offer paid family and medical leave without breaking the bank — and it will ensure that my workers don't encounter the same struggles I was faced with while raising my children."
Barrett International Technology, Inc.
New York
- FAMILY Act Endorser
"I support a federal standard for paid family leave. As an employer with a team of people who I care very much about, I want to make sure they have access to what they need to take care of their families and take care of themselves. California provides more protection and better benefits than most other states. There are certainly challenges for small employers to implement any new legislation and new requirements, but in this case I think the benefits far outweigh the challenges. I would be very comforted to know that all of my employees and their families have more security when it's needed. I want to see this for everyone."
"As Director Human Resources of Berner International LLC, it is difficult to understand the opposition to having a national family and medical leave insurance program. Finding and retaining the best and brightest employees is a time consuming and costly function of running a business. To offer benefits that support employees and their families creates a partnership where both employer and employee have a sense of stability, appreciation, and security; employees are more productive in the workplace and healthier in their personal lives; and U.S. companies are strong and profitable. Berner is the first U.S. manufacturer of air curtains. Air curtains essentially create an air door across an open doorway that keeps cold air on the inside and warm air on the outside in the summer, and vice versa in the winter, saving energy and creating healthy, comfortable environments. Located in New Castle, Pennsylvania, Berner has become an employer of choice in the region, grown to over 90 employees and continues to offer fully paid health benefits to all full-time employees."
"Any business owner can tell you: When workers are happy, businesses do better. If Congress wants to help businesses grow, it should pass the FAMILY Act and bring the U.S. in line with other developed countries. Businesses, employees — and the marketplace — will be better for it."
"Bora has fully adopted a paid family leave policy. Our 65 employees now have access to six weeks of paid leave at 60% of their salary for maternity/paternity, to care for a sick child/parent/spouse, to bereave the loss of a family member or to mend from a serious personal injury or illness. We reward staff longevity, so the 60% is available to employees with us for three years while lesser amounts are available for less time with the company. Any event triggering leave under the Oregon Family Leave Act qualifies for this benefit. We analyzed company data and realized this was affordable and achievable. Weighing the cost of family leave against the cost of hiring and training new employees made this an easy decision. Taking care of our people is a priority. They are the firm's greatest asset, so supporting them in their personal lives is as important as providing the right tools in their professional lives. It is our goal to encourage other firms to follow suit. We will also push for public policy because we care about our company but we also care about our country. The U.S. is a leader in the world on so many fronts, yet slow to act when it comes to workers' family needs. At the state level here in Oregon and at the federal level through the FAMIILY Act, we hope to have laws soon that will support these basic needs."
"For my staff, caring for children is a labor of love, but it is also grueling work. In return for the work they do, I think it's important to ensure that my employees can care for themselves and their families. That's why they have paid sick days, vacation time, and health insurance. A national paid family leave insurance program would enable small businesses like mine to also offer workers paid family and medical leave — time to recover from serious illness, care for a sick loved one, or bond with a new child — without requiring employers to foot the entire bill. Parents often ask about staff turnover when they consider which daycare to use. In the 12 years I've been running this business, I've experienced little turnover and I believe our policies have a lot to do with it. The FAMILY Act would ensure that high quality caregivers can keep their jobs, even when they must take temporary leaves.
"To help employees balance their work and family priorities, Busboys and Poets Company offers up to four weeks of Paid Parental Leave to eligible parents after the birth of a child or adoption. The purpose of paid parental leave is to enable employees to care for and bond with a newborn or a newly adopted child. Our Parental Leave Policy exceeds any legal requirements, it's the right thing to do and critical for all parents and families. We also offer Paid Vacation to eligible employees and Sick Leave to everyone. Everyone, including employees who are classified as part time hourly employees, get paid when they're sick. As a small business, we care deeply about our employee and understand the importance of supporting them as whole people, whether that is through the joy of a new child or the hardship of a personal or family illness. The FAMILY Act is an important enhancement to the society, and it will be particularly impactful in helping small businesses provide inclusive and comprehensive benefits in an affordable way. Paid time to care is one of the most important ways we support our employees' families at the most important moments in their lives."
"New Jersey's Family Leave Insurance program has been a huge positive for Caliper. When you think about the cost of individuals leaving, the cost of seeking new employees, the cost of training them, etc., there is just no comparison in terms of the pure balance sheet. This policy has saved my business money. The FAMILY Act would bring these cost savings to businesses nationwide. A national family leave insurance policy is good for workers, good for businesses and good for the economy. It's a no-brainer."
"Creative companies like co:collective are fueled by our diversity. Hiring people with different backgrounds brings a richness to our design and makes us a stronger company'and that includes people at different stages of life, including those who are welcoming a new child or caring for an aging parent. We know from experience that paid family and medical leave helps our team continue to contribute to our company's success. That's why we support the FAMILY Act. A nationwide family and medical leave insurance program will enable all workers to take the time they need to care for themselves and their loved ones, and ultimately enable them return to the workforce."
"Providing paid leave and supporting a national paid family leave policy shows our collaborators and community members that we acknowledge and care for them first. If you work for a company without a policy, you should ask why. It may not be a company that holds the same values as you do after all."
"If I offered a paid family and medical leave policy right now, the burden of that plan would be on me, and me alone. With a national social insurance program, however, I would not be solely responsible for the financial cost of paid family and medical leave insurance for my workers, making the impact on my business minimal. I understand how important it is for employees who need to balance their work and family responsibilities to have reasonable options for doing so — options that also meet the needs of employers, including small business owners. With that in mind, I strongly support the FAMILY Act."
"At Dandelion Cafe, we have always believed that happy employees translate to happy customers. One facet in accomplishing that is understanding that life happens, and major life events need concerted focus and attention. Having the ability to care for a newborn child, yourself, or a sick family member is stressful enough without having to worry about money as well. We believe the FAMILY Act is an integral component to the well-being of our community and nation."
"As business owners and employees, we need paid family and medical leave insurance with the most inclusive definition of family possible. In several states, LGTBQ couples can be fired from their job if their employer found out they are married, so many couple will not take advantage of that right for fear of losing jobs, homes, etc. In my family, we have have two sons and a team of co-parents who do not all live in the same house. My son would consider his birth mom (me), his adoptive mom (my partner who I married), and his stepbrother's mom all as his 'grown-ups' even though only two of us have a legal claim to him. The same is true of my stepson. We live three blocks away from my son's birth mom, and if my stepson was sick or my partner was sick, it's highly likely she'd be a part of the care team. We should be able to make the decision about how to best care for our children."
"As an entrepreneur and business owner, I appreciate the need for portable benefits run through a social insurance model that all working people can access. As a working person, I value the critical importance of paid leave, whether for the joy of a new child or the hardship of a personal medical crisis or a loved one's medical needs. I believe the FAMILY Act is the affordable, responsible solution to our country's current lack of paid leave. It will provide all workers — from self-employed entrepreneurs and freelancers to workers at the largest employers — with secure, earned time to care for themselves or their loved ones."
Emily Goodstein Consulting
District Of Columbia
- FAMILY Act Endorser
"When my employees started having kids, I realized that it was critical to provide paid parental leave. As the owner of a small landscaping business, it wasn't easy to offer these benefits, but I made it work. It was important to me that my employees spend that precious time after a child is born, adopted, or fostered with their families, and I didn't want them to have to choose between their families or their job. As my employees move through the lifecycle, I know additional medical and family caregiving needs will arise. An employee may need to care for a personal medical illness, an ailing parent, or god forbid a sick child. I don't want my employees to be faced with the impossible choice of putting food on the table or caring for a loved one. But with a modest bottom line, it's difficult for me or any small business owner to provide paid and family medical leave, and I'm not sure my business could afford it. Strong federal policies that ensure all workers and small business owners can take the time to care, like the FAMILY Act, would help solve this challenge for small businesses like mine in Minnesota and across the country."
"At Friendly Design Co, we know that our people are our greatest asset. We strive to create a workplace that is inclusive and supportive, allowing our team to do their best at work and be their best at home. With employees in Washington, D.C., Richmond, Viriginia, and Omaha, Nebraska, we also know the value of a national standard for all workers and, as a small business, we know that a social insurance model is the most affordable, inclusive way to provide critical benefits to our workers. We support the FAMILY Act for creating a paid family and medical leave that works for all businesses, all states and all working people. We hope Congress acts quickly to support business owners by passing this important legislation."
"Geben Communication supports the FAMILY Act because we believe paid leave is good for families — and good for business. Today's workplace policies do not reflect the reality of today's families. It's time to rewrite the rules. At Geben, I provide 10 weeks of paid leave to all new moms and new dads, so we've seen the benefits of paid leave first hand. I also know from personal experience that it's expensive for small businesses to provide this benefit. That's why we need a funded, national policy. The FAMILY Act would ensure all employees have access to this benefit without it being cost prohibitive for businesses."
"I founded Gideon Contracting in 2005, and we now have six offices throughout Texas, Arizona and California. Gideon is a thriving and growing commercial and federal contracting construction business. The Family and Medical Insurance Leave Act (FAMILY Act) makes providing paid family and medical leave affordable, and a national standard makes sense — my workers in Texas, Arizona and throughout the country have just as much reason to need pay during a family and medical leave as my California workers. As the daughter of Asian-American immigrants and the mother of two young boys, family responsibility and care could not be more important to me. As a business owner, I know that making sure workers have the time they need pays off in terms of more loyalty and productivity and enhances our bottom line in the long run. The FAMILY Act makes sense for my workers, my business and the communities we work in, and having a national standard makes good sense for all of us."
"I know firsthand the difference having access to paid family and medical leave can make. When my first daughter was born I was working at a job with paid leave benefits. But by the time my second daughter was born, I was now a small business owner and my husband and I were full time in our start-up, and I was back to work only a few days after giving birth. This is why we need more than one-off businesses to offer paid leave benefits -- we need a national paid leave family and medical insurance program that covers all businesses, regardless of size or industry and all individuals, whether they are employees that work part-time, full-time, individuals who are self-employed, independent contractors or business owners themselves. In the construction business, we work with many sub-contractors with small or one-person shops. They are in the same boat needing a program like this. The cost of offering short term disability insurance was astronomical for my small business, particularly in the construction industry. A national paid leave insurance program, like the FAMILY Act, would level the playing field between big and small business and just makes sense for a society that cares about family."
"I often joke that as a solopreneur, my job comes with unlimited, unpaid family leave. But in all seriousness, it's a scary proposition to have potentially no income for the duration of the time I take to care for myself, the little person I create, and my family. My husband and I are fortunate to have been able to save and create a safety net, so that I can take up to 8 weeks away from my business. Not all entrepreneurs have that luxury. I enthusiastically support the FAMILY Act and paid leave principles, and I encourage other small business owners to do the same."
"When my wife Liz and I founded Hawthorne Auto Clinic 34 years ago, we made the commitment to invest in education and training and common sense workplace policies. It's not only the right thing to do, but it's made good business sense. Auto repair is a highly specialized field, and offering good benefits to recruit and retain experienced technicians is critical to business success. We try to offer our employees paid leave so they can take care of a new child or sick family member, or recover from their own illness without sacrificing their paycheck. But it's hard for us, or any consumer-facing small business to provide the comprehensive paid family and medical leave our employees need. This is why we need strong federal policies that allow working people to care for themselves and their families - and this is why Congress must pass the FAMILY Act."
"Paid family and medical leave would really help one of my employees right now, whose wife just had stomach surgery. Now he's juggling her care, looking after his three kids, and working enough hours to keep them afloat. The cost of family and medical leave under the FAMILY Act is insignificant compared to the cost of not having a system like this."
"At Honey Butter Fried Chicken, we believe in serving great food and drinks, giving exceptional service, and building a strong community. For us, building community starts with taking care of our team. Supporting them in both their work and home lives — which mean providing crucial benefits like health care, PTO, paid sick leave, and paid parental leave — is not only good for our team but it's also good for business. We also want the best for our local farmers, who supply us with awesome ingredients, and our customers and neighbors. We support the FAMILY Act, national legislation that would create a baseline benefit of paid family and medical leave that is affordable and would go a long way to strengthening families, communities, and businesses of all sizes."
"I offer paid family leave at my bi-coastal PR firm InkHouse. Why? Because when employees are able to take time off to care for themselves or a loved one, they're healthier and more productivewhen they come back to work. As a mother and an employer, I have seen first-hand that paid family and medical leave is the right thing to do — for the good of our community, and for our bottom line. It costs 150 percent of an employee's pay to replace them, and only a small fraction of that to offer the support of paid leave. Fully comprehensive paid family and medical leave not only allows employees to take time for a variety of caregiving needs, but also creates a culture in which all of my employees (men and women) are able to freely take the time they need and do so willingly. This dynamic changes gender stereotypes and allows both men and women to care for their families. I strongly believe that we need women in the workplace — in fact, when they are present in leadership, companies perform better. My team is comprised of 85 percent women, and too often, I see them carry the burden of care. I endorse the FAMILY Act because comprehensive policies are not only good for families, but also help to level the playing field for women — and when women succeed, both businesses and families succeed."
"Paid family leave should be provided for all employees, but placing the burden to provide paid leave on small businesses isn't a smart strategy. I can't afford to provide paid family leave to my staff, but it's something both they and I could really use. In fact, when my wife and I had a baby she had paid time off, and I would have loved to have some guaranteed income for myself while I took time off too. Instead, I barely took off any time to be with my child and wife. The FAMILY Act is a great proposal that would immediately benefit me and my employees by providing small businesses a critical benefit they don't have access to right now."
"As a polling firm, Lake Research Partners promotes progressive public policy and helps launch more women into political positions. As a business, LRP implements progressive employment standards and supports women in the workforce. Our core values lead us to support the FAMILY Act. We owe it to people to create workplace standards for both women and men so that they can care for themselves and family members while remaining in the workforce long-term. Frankly, people have earned paid family and medical leave, and businesses should compensate their greatest asset: workers. The FAMILY Act will promote gender equity by destigmatizing leave-taking and provide greater economic security by ensuring that even low-income workers can spend time caring for their family without sacrificing their income. Our support of the FAMILY Act is just one of the many ways LRP matches our practices to our ideals."
"In 2014, we celebrated our 100-year anniversary. We started as a family business, and our success and longevity are a direct result of our commitment to family and community. Supporting employees when they need to care for their health or that of their family is just common sense. We've run our own paid leave program for years and are proud to endorse the FAMILY Act, the smart proposal for a national paid family and medical leave program, so that workers across the country will have the same access to paid time off when they need it."
"For businesses the size of mine, the math only adds up when we use the power of numbers that a universal system provides. Right now, the lack of a paid leave system holds small businesses back and leaves people choosing between their well-being and their paycheck. An affordable, universal paid leave system will let employers like me give our employees the benefits we want to be able to provide and free us to keep looking for new opportunities to create jobs and serve our communities."
"The Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF) uses California's paid leave law as a model for the benefits we provide our employees across five offices in four states. We believe it is essential to support employees at all stages of life from parents with new children to caring for themselves during illnesses or a loved one in times of greatest need. Paid family and medical leave helps LIIF attract and retain talented employees and contributes to our team members' individual economic stability. LIIF is committed to the FAMILY Act, which would be a national solution that enables all workers time to care for themselves and their loved ones and would strengthen our country's workforce."
"At MAIA, we are committed to creating a more female-centric economy and ecosystem. We focus on directing our collective purchasing power toward women-owned businesses, which we believe will have a ripple effect by improving the economy, strengthening businesses, impacting products and services, and fostering equity at home and work. Paid family and medical leave is essential, as it encourages men to play equal roles in caregiving and domestic life while allowing women to better balance their family responsibilities with their careers. We call on businesses and policymakers to advance inclusive paid leave for all working people."
"In a civilized society, workers should not be penalized for taking time off from their jobs to care for themselves and their families. Paid family and medical leave insures the health and welfare of our workforce and instills loyalty and a sense of personal well being that will translate to a stronger bottom line for business. The FAMILY Act makes sense for employers and employees."
"It's about time our workplace policies and spaces reflect the everyday realities of working families. Without paid leave or workplace spaces to pump, many moms can't continue breastfeeding. Supporting breastfeeding mamas with paid time off is a win-win-win: healthier babies, better long-term health for women, and reduced healthcare costs for our society at large. We're supporting the FAMILY Act so that working mamas won't have to choose between their families and their financial wellbeing anymore."
"In November, 2017, my doctors told me I had a detached retina in my left eye and would require a few operations in order to regain my vision. They scheduled the first procedure for the middle of July, during peak tourist season. I followed my doctor's orders and wasn't able to work for two weeks following the surgery. I estimated that this cost me 10-15 percent of my gross revenue for the year. Since this surgery is just the first of many procedures I need to have, I will likely experience additional revenue loss. It doesn't have to be this way. Taking time away from work to attend to serious medical issues like eye surgery or family circumstances should not be calamitous for workers or small businesses. Congress needs to pass federal legislation that covers all working people in times of medical and family need - legislation like the FAMILY Act."
"When you stop being scared of the math, and do the math, paid leave becomes more attainable to small businesses. This is especially true for the FAMILY Act, which would allow workers to draw on a pool of funds created by small payroll tax contributions, instead of requiring employers to foot the entire bill for workers' leaves."
"I support the FAMILY Act because no one should have to struggle with lost wages while they recover from a serious illness or care for a loved one. The decision to take time off should be in the best interest of your or your family's health, not your wallet."
"Before going into business for myself I worked for a company in Brazil that provided paid maternity leave, and I don't know what I would have done without it. Knowing I would be paid during my leave and that I had a job to come back to allowed me to grow my family. That is why now, as an employer, I support the FAMILY Act — because no woman should have to decide between welcoming a new addition and keeping her job."
Organica Furniture
Florida
- FAMILY Act Endorser
"My company is one of the few small businesses with the resources to provide comprehensive paid family and medical leave. When my business was smaller with only 20 employees, as much as we wanted to, we couldn’t afford to offer the comprehensive paid leave we have today. Access to paid leave shouldn’t depend on where you live or where you work. We need strong state and federal policies that give all workers and small business owners the kind of leave that my company offers. Workers and small business owners alike should have the time and financial security to deal with sudden and serious events, just as parents should be able to welcome a new child. No one should be forced to choose between their families or health over their jobs and financial stability. At a time when some politicians are trying to divide us based on our race or who we care for, the FAMILY Act brings us together."
"Pleasant Pops started in 2010, and in the years since we've expanded to a food truck and now own two cafes. We offer a living wage and paid sick leave. We provide healthcare even though we aren't required to do so, and we grow our entry-level employees into senior managers. And these choices have paid off. Our business is successful because we invest in our employees. As a responsible employer, I'd love to be able to offer paid leave to my employees, and I would love to be able to take advantage of paid leave when needed. That is why I supported DC's Universal Paid Leave Act, and it's why I support the FAMILY Act, which would create a national social insurance fund that all businesses can afford. The alternatives just aren't as small-business friendly. I don't want to be exempted from paid leave; I don't want to have a tax credit but be on the hook for thousands in unplanned costs; I don't want to have to worry about hiring a 50th employee and then being responsible for paid leave costs out of pocket instead of through social insurance. I also don't want to live in a country where women, the elderly and employees with pre-existing conditions are discriminated against because their employers want to save money and not hire folks who are more likely to use paid leave. The FAMILY Act will allow small businesses to compete. It is the best option out there."
"I've run a logistics company, a retail shop, and have turned a single popcorn store into a franchise in five states. I've learned a lot as a business owner over the years, but across industries, there's one thing in common: consumer demand drives my business decisions and my business growth. Workers who take unpaid leave when medical or family caregiving needs arise report putting off spending, which means not just hardship for families, but also lost income to small businesses like mine. For some people, that means choosing between putting food on the table or keeping the heating on during cold Iowa winters. For others, it will mean fewer dinners out, and fewer extras like gourmet popcorn. If people can't afford basic living expenses, they definitely won't be buying any popcorn from my stores. The FAMILY Act would help create the vibrant local economies small businesses need to survive."
"At Runamok Maple, we understand the importance of paid leave for our employees, and we also understand the challenges that come along with offering a comprehensive paid leave policy on our own. The FAMILY Act is a no-brainer solution to this dilemma by ensuring universal coverage to employees at a minimal cost. This policy is a win-win for working families and small businesses like ours in Vermont and across the country."
"Three years ago, one of my employees came to me and said his wife was having twins. He needed help getting some paid time off, and we weren't sure to what to do. Luckily, I had a friend who knew about the New Jersey Family Leave Insurance Program. The paperwork was pretty straightforward, so we filled it out together and sent it in, and he got two-thirds of his wages replaced while bonding with his twins. He is a very important part of my business, and this was very important to his life. So we made adjustments, he got some paid time to be with his family, and he's still with us. Lawmakers in D.C. should support the FAMILY Act, which builds upon what we have working well in New Jersey."
"Two years ago, my manufacturing shop supervisor and most experienced employee came to me with a problem: he needed a hip replacement, which would mean two months away from work. All small businesses depend on their workers, particularly a specialized one like mine. It takes a lot of time to train someone in this unique field. We're thriving, but we run lean and can't afford a paid family and medical leave policy on our own like many larger businesses can. Large corporations see the benefit in providing this benefit, and many put it into their budget. Of course I paid my employee's wages until he was able to return to work. Otherwise he'd go without the surgery he needed or look for another job. But it cost us a much larger percentage of our budget than it costs a large corporation to provide the same. I really couldn't afford to lose this employee and decided to do everything I could to retain him. But the decision wasn't easy, and my business took a financial hit. No business should have to make a tough call like this. Congress can and should do better for all of us by passing a real paid family and leave policy, like the FAMILY Act."
"As a consulting firm, our employees are our most valuable asset, and in our field paid family leave is an expected benefit. We need to offer it to be competitive with larger businesses in hiring and retaining the strongest employees. We advocated actively for DCs Universal Paid Leave Act. Budgeting to pay a tiny fraction of our payroll is dependably predictable and entirely manageable. The new law will make it possible for us to provide this important benefit and improve our competitiveness. Though we are proud that DC has become a national leader on paid family leave, we remain committed to the advancement of a national paid leave policy. The FAMILY Act sponsored by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) is important for our small business for two reasons. First, like many new economy businesses, not all our staff works in the same place. In fact, our four employees live in four different states — technically, three states and the District of Columbia. So there are members of our team who cannot claim the benefits offered by DC's law. And second, paid leave is the right thing to do for our country — not just for one business, one city, or one state. When a person wants to work in America, he or she shouldn't have to choose between taking care of sick kids or parents and earning an honest living. And when the FAMILY Act is enacted, no American will ever face that horrible choice again."
"The creation of a universal family and medical leave benefit would help level the playing field for small businesses and entrepreneurs as we start and grow our businesses, and allow us to better compete for top talent. We all have a stake in ensuring that our next generation has a bright future. This policy helps us achieve our common goals and ensure future generations can thrive."
"As a small business owner, I am absolutely committed to ensuring that my hardworking, valuable employees also have the ability to take time to care for themselves and their loved ones without incurring a significant financial hardship or feeling torn between having to choose between family and work. The fact is, that many small businesses like mine cannot afford to provide such a benefit on our own without the support of a state or federal program. The FAMILY Act would solve this dilemma and ensure everyone has access to this necessary support."
"As a black woman entrepreneur, I started my business with limited resources, mostly with the support of me working a full time job and my husband’s income. However, as I grew, I saw firsthand how important it is to be able to show up for your family during illness, school issues, doctor appointments and be able to keep a job and have regular income. That is why I have offered paid sick time and paid family leave for my team. Does it cut into my bottom line? Yes. Does it sometimes put a strain on myself and my staff? Yes. But I’ve done the math, and it would cost me way more to train new incoming staff than it does to provide paid leave. But I’ve seen first hand that this is not an option for many small businesses and nonprofits. That’s why we need a national paid medial and leave program like the FAMILY Act."
"TCG, a firm developing custom-built IT solutions to improve how government agencies run, supports the FAMILY Act. Appreciating the impact of families on our employees and the company is one of TCG's six core values. Supporting the FAMILY Act is one way we value our employees' families while keeping our costs low. TCG currently offers 3 weeks paid leave for new parents. The FAMILY Act would provide qualified workers with a statutory minimum amount of family paid leave for specific kinds of events. Without the FAMILY Act, providing any reasonable number of weeks of leave for employees experiencing major life events could cost our company far more. I took off six months in 2012 after the premature birth of my twins, who spent their first 5 months in intensive care. In the absence of paid leave insurance, I used a combination of sick leave, vacation, comp time and unpaid leave, and my family dug into savings. The costs were substantial. In the same situation, most employees in this country would have had to quit or let the company fail, or would have spent most of their time worrying about their kids while trying to work. That's also a tough position for an employer because when a worker is dealing with that kind of distraction, a whole team's productivity will decrease and customers are impacted. It's a ridiculous position for an employee and their employer. Giving employees time off to deal with their family or personal situations is just good sense. The FAMILY Act is a worthy and important enhancement to our society's employee safety net that delivers real world benefits to employees and their employers."
"When I left my corporate pharmaceutical job to become a small business owner in Lancaster, PA, I never thought of it as a family planning decision. But having run my art gallery for two years now, and given the state of our family leave crisis in this country, I don't know how I could have another child and keep my business open. There is simply no support for small business operators to take time away from their business to tend to personal needs (medical leave, parental leave, etc). That's why we must pass the FAMILY Act. Passing the FAMILY Act is an urgent need for small businesses like my own. We need a comprehensive family and medical leave law that works for small business owners and our employees. I take pride in being a player in the revitalization of Lancaster, but it shouldn?t have to come at the expense of my goals for my family."
"A social insurance model like the FAMILY Act is the most effective and affordable way for small businesses to offer critical paid leave benefits. I know this because I have tried to offer private market disability insurance through my small business, and the results were disastrous. It is a fallacy that the private market will take care of small businesses when it comes to paid leave. When I developed shingles and was unable to work for two months, my private market disability plan put me through a year of bureaucracy and in the end refused to pay any leave benefits. Small businesses have no power or choices in the private market insurance industry because we are not purchasing plans for large numbers. The only security we can truly count on is a public model like the FAMILY Act that is not created to maximize profits but instead to support businesses and workers, acknowledging that work and life are not separate spheres. The passage of the Universal Paid Leave Act in D.C. has given me peace of mind and motivation to keep growing my business. Entrepreneurship is "hot" right now, but innovation cannot exist without basic security. The FAMILY Act is a solid step in the right direction for all of us."
"At The Potter's House, we believe in deep conversation, creative expression, and community transformation. For us, community transformation starts with supporting people so that they can fully show up for their work, passions, the people they love, and themselves. We know that paid family and medical leave provides critical time for working people to care for a new baby, a critically ill loved one or their own medical need but that far too few have access to paid leave nationwide. Full-time and regular part-time employees who have completed one year of employment without a break in service and have worked at least 1,000 hours in the 12 months preceding the leave request are eligible for FMLA benefits. We also support the FAMILY Act, a national plan currently being considered in Congress that would provide affordable, secure paid family and medical leave for all working people. The FAMILY Act is necessary to support large and small businesses, strengthen communities and create a more just world."
"Our 80 person insurance and consulting firm, The Redwoods Group, already provides paid leave. We welcome the FAMILY Act. We have discovered that when an employee takes paid family leave, there are some unexpected business benefits. There is the obvious virtue that the employee who takes paid leave is more likely to return and thus save our company the costs of interviewing, hiring and retraining. In addition, since we cover the work of an employee on leave by sharing it across the team, junior team members get a chance to learn and take on new responsibilities, furthering their development. That's a hidden plus. A publically administered pool of funds for paid leave, such as the one proposed in the FAMILY Act, would be great for all employees. At Redwoods, we would use company funds to 'top up' the amount that our employees would receive from the public pool. After all, our success rests on their shoulders."
"Having spent more than three decades on Wall Street, I have learned that there is no greater investment than investing in families, which translates into investing in the American workforce and the sustainability of our economy. There is an intrinsic link between the health of our workforce and the health of our economy, and the FAMILY Act is a logical and feasible measure to strengthen families, business and the economy. Without question — the economic returns are quantifiable and tangible!"
"Here at Triple Ethos, we believe that businesses thrive when their employees and customers are thriving. This means employees are able to work hard and be productive while also taking care of themselves and their loved ones. Paid family and medical leave shouldn’t be considered a benefit; it’s essential for economic growth, business stability, and employee productivity. This is why Triple Ethos supports the FAMILY Act, which creates a comprehensive, responsible, and inclusive paid leave program for everyone. As a member of the American Sustainable Business Council, we work with public officials, business leaders, workers and the broader community to promote public policies like the FAMILY Act that focus on the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit."
"I know how important it is to hire and retain good employees. Paid family and medical leave means my employees can care for a new baby or heal from an accident without worrying about how they're going to pay the rent. The FAMILY Act just makes common sense — for them and my business."
"Wild Vase is a floral design studio specializing in seasonal and local blooms. As a California-based small business owner, I have been fortunate to have access to the state's paid leave program. Paid leave is a critical benefit that I likely couldn't afford to offer without the state's program. In my work, I partner with small business owners and entrepreneurs from all industries — entertainment, photography, event planning, service industry, and wonderful local farmers. Small businesses are vital to our communities, and we need policies that work for us and allow us to grow, create jobs, and ensure our workers are provided for. Policies that help entrepreneurs and employees, in turn, help our economy and cultural vibrancy. I support the FAMILY Act as a critical step towards providing this same benefit nationwide so that all businesses, workers, and communities can thrive."
Learn more about national paid leave principles
Businesses know this country needs a strong national paid leave plan and support including key paid leave principles in legislation to meet the needs of working people and businesses.
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See how businesses are making the case for national paid family and medical leave in creative and compelling ways, including customer engagement, public education, policy advocacy and more.
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