The United States is taking a step in the right direction when it comes to creating a paid leave policy for workers. On Wednesday, December 2, both sides of Congress united to advance legislation that would provide paid leave to millions of workers.
The Senate and House have joined together in a bipartisan effort to provide low-wage workers with paid medical and family leave. This follows on the heels of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which provided paid leave for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Under the proposed legislation, workers could claim a tax credit for up to 12 weeks of paid leave in a year. This would provide coverage for medical or family leave, such as caring for a new baby or an ill relative. It would also provide paid leave during disasters and public health emergencies.
The bill has been proposed by Senators Kyrsten Sinema (D) and Bill Cassidy (R) and is supported by many lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R) said the goal of the bill is to provide “much needed” financial security for millions of Americans.
The bill still needs to go through the House and Senate for approval, but it looks very promising. It will provide much needed economic security for the millions of workers across the country who don’t have access to paid leave.
This new legislation is a step in the right direction for the United States, as it provides financial protection to workers who need it the most. With so many different states and cities introducing their own paid leave policies, a federal policy is needed to provide consistent coverage for workers across the country. Hopefully, this new bill will be approved and implemented as soon as possible.