“Following President Obama’s recent actions in support of family friendly workplace policies, lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives today re-introduced legislation that would offer some paid parental leave to the more than two million people who work for the federal government. The Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act (FEPPLA) would allow federal employees who are eligible for 12 weeks of unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act to receive pay for up to six weeks of that time for the birth or adoption of a child. Members from both chambers should show they understand the importance of paid leave by supporting the bill.

As the nation’s largest employer, the federal government should be a model for employers across the country, and passage of FEPPLA would be a significant step in that direction. Ensuring federal employees can take paid time off when new children arrive is not only the right thing to do for the health and well-being of these workers and their families; it would also save the government money through reduced turnover and replacement costs, and it would help the federal government attract and retain a valuable workforce, including much-needed younger workers.

We commend Representatives Maloney (D – N.Y.), Hoyer (D – Md.), Van Hollen (D – Md.), Norton (D – D.C.), Connolly (D – Va.) and Beyer (D – Va.) for their leadership in re-introducing FEPPLA today. As the national discussion about family friendly workplace policies continues, we hope it is a sign that there is more to come. Access to policies like paid family and medical leave and paid sick days shouldn’t depend on where you live or work. America’s working families need and have long deserved national policies like the Family And Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act and the Healthy Families Act.”