Webb re-introduces paid parental leave

WASHINGTON, DC - Today Senator Jim Webb (D-VA) re-introduced the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act (S.354) to provide four weeks of paid leave to federal employees for the birth or adoption of a child. Senators Cardin (D-MD), Mikulski (D-MD), Menendez (D-NJ), McCaskill (D-MO), Casey (D-PA), Gillibrand (D-NY), Kerry (D-MA), Lautenberg (D-NJ), Lieberman (I-CT), Sanders (I-VT), and Stabenow (D-WA) are original cosponsors. Senator Webb introduced the bill in the last Congress.

"The legislation we've introduced today is an issue of fairness for federal employees," said Senator Webb. "It is our goal to ensure that the federal government, the nation's largest employer, maintain policies that support strong families and set an example for the private sector."

With more than 2.7 million employees, the federal government is the country's largest employer. While federal employees are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid leave guaranteed to them by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), many cannot afford to forego pay to take leave. Sick days and vacation days are often used as a substitute.

Webb continued: "Additionally, paid parental leave for federal employees will improve recruitment and retention of younger workers for federal agencies." The federal workforce is aging faster than the workforce overall. Approximately 40 percent of the federal workforce is expected to retire over the next ten years.

"In times like these, families should not have to choose between a paycheck and getting their newborn home and settled in. With FEPPLA, the Federal government can make 'family-friendly' more than a buzzword and ensure that both newborns and the government benefit," said Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY). Congresswoman Maloney offered the counterpart bill (H.R. 626) on January 22, 2009. Last year, the House passed an identical bill by a bipartisan vote of 278-146.

"AFSCME looks forward to working with Senator Webb to enact this critical legislation for working families," said Gerald McEntee, President of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). "This bill will make paid family and medical leave a reality for federal employees, and it will serve as a first step in securing this reform for all working American families."

Roland C. Warren, President of National Fatherhood Initiative, said, "I commend Senator Webb and his co-sponsors for crafting legislation that recognizes the critical role that both fathers and mothers play in the care of their newborns. At a time when far too many American children live in father-absent homes, this bill will send a powerful signal to our culture that dads and moms are equally important and equally responsible for the upbringing of their children."

"The enactment of a Paid Parental Leave bill during the 111th Congress is a top priority for Federally Employed Women (FEW)," said Janet Kopenhaver, FEW's Washington Representative. "We sincerely appreciate all the support that Sen. Webb has given federal workers in the past and his tireless efforts to pass legislation that would grant new parents employed by the government paid leave to be with their children."

"At a time when so many working families are struggling to make ends meet, we can set an example by ensuring that federal workers do not have to choose between their paycheck and caring for a newborn or newly adopted baby," National Partnership for Women & Families President Debra L. Ness said. "We thank Senator Webb for introducing and championing the Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act. Its enactment will demonstrate that parental leave is good for employers as well as employees and families."

To view a factsheet and Q&A on the legislation, please go to: http://webb.senate.gov/pdf/factsheet&q&afeppla.pdf