WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 5, 2024)—In response to the 31st anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Nicole Jorwic, Chief of Advocacy & Campaigns at Caring Across Generations, released the following statement:
“The FMLA was an important first step forward, but it doesn’t go far enough in 2024. What was meant to be a starting point for family and medical leave in this country has stalled for three decades, causing us to be one of the only countries in the world without a national paid leave policy. While millions of people use FMLA each year, it is past time we build on the promises of the FMLA and pass a comprehensive national paid leave program.
“Every person in this country — across every socioeconomic background, every race and every stage of life — will need to give or receive care at some point in their life. We need sustainable, national paid family and medical leave policies in place so that families and businesses are never scrambling for piecemeal solutions when illnesses strike or caregiving needs arise.
“Our country’s families deserve better options and opportunities to care for themselves and their loved ones without worrying about losing their jobs and livelihoods. Congress must put families first and act now.”
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Caring Across Generations is a national organization of family caregivers, care workers, disabled people, and aging adults working to transform the way we care in this country so that care is accessible, affordable and equitable — and our systems of care enable everyone to live and age with dignity. To achieve our vision, we transform cultural norms and narratives about aging, disability and care; win federal and state-level policies; and build power amongst the people touched by care. For more information, visit CARINGACROSS.ORG.