Small Business Voices Key as Paid Leave Hearings Move Forward
Washington, DC - Today, January 28th, the House Ways and Means Committee will hold a congressional hearing on paid family and medical leave, including testimony from small business owner and CEO of New Hampshire's Badger Balm. The Small Business for Paid Leave Coalition supports this next step in the process for making paid leave for all a reality, and thanks congress and the committee for centering small business voices in developing these policies.
Policy details matter to small businesses. That’s why the Small Business for Paid Leave Coalition members worked with small businesses across the country to develop strong principles on paid family and medical leave. Healthy families and people are part of small businesses’ bottom line. A strong paid leave plan is one that works for families and small businesses.
The three core principles of a successful paid family and medical leave program must include:
Coverage must be inclusive of all businesses, families and individuals and provide comprehensive benefits to meet the needs of today’s families
Costs should be responsibly shared to make the program affordable for businesses of all sizes, sustainable to fund and affordable for workers of all incomes to use.
Administration should be an efficient program with robust outreach, support and protection to provide stability to businesses and employees.
As it stands, the FAMILY Act is the only proposal to date that meets the principles laid out by the Small Business for Paid Leave Coalition.
However, there are still improvements to be made as we learn what works from successful implementation of a growing number of state paid family and medical leave programs. Making sure the act encompasses an expanded family definition, to meet the needs of today’s families, as well as progressive wage replacement and strong job protection are key priorities in supporting the paid leave principles above.
Quotes of support from small business organizations:
“Small Businesses across the country have come together on these strong paid family and medical leave principles,” said Amanda Ballantyne, Executive Director of Main Street Alliance. “Centering small business needs will be paramount to developing a strong and sustainable paid leave policy.”
“We offer paid family leave and other generous benefits not only because it aligns with our mission as a family-friendly workplace, but it also makes good business sense,” said Rebecca Hamilton, co-CEO of W.S. Badger, a member of the American Sustainable Business Council, who is testifying Tuesday before the House Ways and Means Committee. “Our innovative approach has enabled us to spend virtually zero dollars on recruitment while retaining an engaged and committed workforce for the past 25 years.”
“The Paid Leave for All campaign is proud to partner with Small Business for Paid Leave because we aim to center the voices of those most impacted, including small business owners who need this policy across the country,” said Dawn Huckelbridge, Director of Paid Leave for All.
"Small business owners know it makes good business sense to take care of their employees, as it’s crucial to retaining a productive and talented workforce," said John Arensmeyer, founder & CEO of Small Business Majority. "But unfortunately many small employers don't have the resources to offer paid family and medical leave, putting them at a disadvantage when it comes to attracting and retaining employees. This is why we need a national paid family and medical leave insurance program, which is something small businesses overwhelmingly support."
"Moms know small businesses are the backbone of their communities, whether they are supporting the local soccer team or standing up for equal pay. Just like small businesses help local economies thrive, paid leave will boost our economy by lowering turnover and allowing caregivers, especially women, to stay in the workforce," said Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner, Executive Director of MomsRising. "That's why MomsRising and its members are advocating for a comprehensive paid leave program, like the FAMILY Act, that will allow small business owners and their employees to take the time they need without worrying about losing a paycheck or being forced to close their business. No one should be punished for taking care of themselves or a loved one in need."
“Small business owners want to provide their employees with paid time to address serious family and personal caregiving needs. A national paid family and medical leave program would enable them to afford this critical benefit, helping to retain valued employees and reduce turnover costs. It’s no surprise the majority of small business owners – including three-quarters of women and people of color who own small businesses – support a national, comprehensive policy. We are so grateful to Rep. Rosa DeLauro and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and all of the co-sponsors of the FAMILY Act for taking action to advance paid leave for all.” -National Partnership for Women & Families Vice President for Economic Justice Erika Moritsugu
“The American Sustainable Business Council/Panorama study released last fall that demonstrated a largely positive return on investment for companies offering paid family leave is yet more evidence for policymakers that paid leave is not just a benefit to society, but to businesses’ bottom lines and the economy as a whole,” said David Levine, Co-founder and President of ASBC. “That’s why we need a comprehensive paid leave program offered to every American family no matter where they work or live.”
“An inclusive family definition is an important aspect to a federal paid leave program,” said National LGBT Chamber of Commerce co-founder and President Justin Nelson. “We are excited to join with other business organizations to work for a national comprehensive family and medical leave program that covers everyone no matter where you work or who you love.”
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The Small Business for Paid Leave Coalition is supporting small business owners as they speak out on how a publicly managed and funded paid family and medical leave program is good for all of us. Its members include Main Street Alliance, American Sustainable Business Council, Family Values @ Work, MomsRising, National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, National Partnership for Women & Families, and Small Business Majority.