The importance of paid family leave

As a mom, I know that time spent bonding with a new baby is important, for both the baby and the parent. Child development experts agree: making a secure attachment between parents and a newborn has consequences well into the future. Better bonding can mean a healthier child who does better in school.

In today’s workplace, however, taking time off work to bond with a new baby, or to care for a sick loved one, is increasingly becoming a luxury that few can afford. For many families, attaining anything close to middle class requires two incomes. Our workplace policies have not kept pace with our changing workforce.

In Congress, I’m working on legislation to provide paid family leave for all full-time workers. The United States is the only industrialized country without a paid parental leave policy; it's time we catch up with the rest of the world!

The Oregonian recently published my op-ed about the importance of paid family leave. Read the column, share it with your friends and family, and let me know what you think on Facebook!

With appreciation,