For Immediate Release:
July 11, 2016
Contact:
Matthew Nocella, (202) 724-8105
mnocella@dccouncil.us
Grosso Commits to Advancing Family Leave Legislation this Fall
Washington, D.C. - It was determined last week that the Council of the District of Columbia will not consider the Universal Paid Leave Act of 2015, a measure introduced by Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) that provides 16 weeks paid leave to all workers in D.C., before it adjourns for its summer recess.
"The working families of the District of Columbia need the security and stability this legislation provides," Councilmember Grosso said. "I'm disappointed that we're not moving forward, however I remain committed to the goals of the bill and to enactment by the end of the year."
The bill, which Grosso co-wrote with Councilmember Elissa Silverman, would allow any employee in D.C., or any D.C. resident employed outside of the city, to access a government-run fund that would pay for up to 16 weeks of leave for a qualifying event. Qualifying events include a baby born or adopted or major medical operations for the worker or a family member. The bill's definition of family and major events are inclusive of the diversity of D.C.'s workers and families, including low-income workers, single-parent households, caregiving for non-child family members, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals, and more.
"I greatly appreciate the efforts of Chairman Mendelson, Councilmember Silverman, the D.C. Paid Leave Coalition, the National Partnership for Women and Families, Family Values @ Work, and the many other advocates working on this measure. We will continue our efforts over the summer recess to get a bill that is progressive and fiscally responsible that we can act on in September."
"As a country we lag behind the rest of the world on family leave-we need pro-family policies that encourage care taking and nurturing," said Grosso when he introduced the legislation last October. "The Universal Paid Leave Act will support our D.C. workers and families, while giving our local businesses a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining highly qualified employees."