Family Values @ Work Network Commend Senate Passage of Families First Coronavirus Response Act

We commend the Senate for moving  quickly to pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, providing immediate relief to working families hard hit by the COVID-19 outbreak.  We call on both chambers to follow this legislation with a comprehensive third package that ensures everyone in this country can care for themselves and their loved ones during this emergency and beyond by incorporating the P.A.I.D Leave Act being put forward by Senators Murray and Gillibrand and Rep. DeLauro.

The FFCRA is a critical first step – a down payment, as Rep. Rosa DeLauro put it – on the relief families and businesses need. Unfortunately, as a result of lobbying by large corporate interests, the bill leaves out many people. Workers will be able to use extended paid FMLA leave only to deal with extended school closures, not to care for an ill loved one or to recover themselves. The bill doesn’t apply to larger employers and the millions of workers they employ. It also permits the Department of Labor to grant exemptions to businesses with fewer than 50 employees for all school closure leaves. And it makes it easier for healthcare personnel and emergency responders to be exempt from a right to paid sick days and paid leave, leaving our first responders – who are already at heightened risk for exposure – with the possibility of no time to heal. 

Our network is working hard with state and local leaders on expanding access to paid time to care and making sure workers will know how to access the time provided for in the FFCRA. We will work with legislative champions on the broad stimulus measures our country needs, including the P.A.I.D Leave Act that would extend paid sick time and paid family and medical leave to all employees, including independent contractors. The bill provides for small employers to get immediate reimbursement for providing paid leave, rather than having to wait for tax credits

As this pandemic has made crystal clear, our nation is only as healthy as its most vulnerable members. Putting families first, ensuring we all have time to heal and to provide care for our loved ones, is the only way to protect the nation overall. 

For media inquiries please contact Safiya Simmons at (414) 436-9536 or info@familyvaluesatwork.org