Statement on Paul Ryan ’s Proclamation

Ellen Bravo, executive director of Family Values @ Work, a network of coalitions in 21 states fighting to pass paid sick days and paid family leave policies, released the following statement:

“It’s terrific to see a male elected official talking about the importance of spending time with his children. All Americans would like to have this time – especially when a new baby or ill family member needs care. But very few Americans have the resources Ryan does to demand that their jobs allow for family time. Instead of taking steps to ensure that every person can manage the demands of work and family, Rep. Ryan has repeatedly opposed progress on that front.

“He refused to sign on to two bills that would provide Americans time to care for a loved one during a routine or even a serious illness, namely, the Healthy Families Act and the FAMILY Act. When Rep. Ryan had the opportunity to vote for paid time for federal employees to bond with a new child, he voted no – twice. He reserved his ‘yes’ vote for a bill that would take more people away from their families by making it easier for employers to require overtime.

“Perhaps most disturbing was Rep. Ryan’s comment about the federal lunch program that implied low-wage workers who can’t afford to send their children to school with a homemade lunch in a brown bag care less for their children. Such a statement signals that Rep. Ryan is disconnected from millions of American families.

Across the country voters are demonstrating strong support for policies that help all families have time to spend with their loved ones. We urge Rep. Ryan to expand his gaze from his own family to those of the entire nation.”

As you continue to cover news of Rep. Ryan’s bid for Speaker of the House of Representatives or issues related to paid sick days and paid family leave, please feel free to quote this statement.

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Family Values @ Work is a network of coalitions in 21 states working to pass policies that value families at work such as paid sick days and affordable family leave.

CONTACT: Leslie Patterson, leslie@berlinrosen.com, 646-200-5326